This is the first book dealing with any period in American history which attempts to describe and analyse national politics through studying voting patterns in state legislatures. During the 1780s two relatively stable legislative parties"" emerged in every state, and each state possessed common characteristics. Main labels these parties ""localists"" and ""cosmopolitans"" and show how such issues as funding of debts, paper money, and land prices provided a battlefield for those early part division. Originally published in 1972. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value. Published for the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, Williamsburg, Virginia