Dismissesing the notion that democracy arrived, fully formed, in 1776 or 1787 Wilentz's observes that “American democracy did not rise like the sun at its natural hour in history,” but rather had a troubled ascent, making its way through a myriad of events that were influenced human conflict, political accommodations and unforeseen events. Wilentz correctly focuses on the political struggles and the reader will be familiar with many of the era’s personalities.

Professor Tom Chambers of Niagara University calls The Rise of American Democracy a study that "sets a new standard for how we interpret the early republic" and the late Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. wrote that “Sean Wilentz casts a fresh and vivid light on the growth of democracy in America and the causes of the Civil War. The Rise of American Democracy is a profound and powerful work”

Drawing on extensive research The Rise of American Democracy is a magisterial synthesis of a crucial time in our nations history that deserves the attention of anyone interested in the American past. The Rise of American Democracy can be found can be found on the basement level of the Library at call number E302.1 W55 2005