This is a study of the political and social life in the United States for advanced students of English. It examines the many factors influencing American life, including the geography of the country, the structure and workings of government and the origins of the American people. This edition has been revised to include a portrayal of the social, political and economic changes which have taken place in the late 1980s. Statistics and surveys have been included as the basis for questions which encourage students to think about and discuss aspects of American life for themselves. Professor Bromhead is also author of a companion volume "Life in Modern Britain".