Party dynamics and the coming of the Civil War -- The second party system in operation -- Slavery, extension and the second party system, 1843-1848 -- Dynamics of the party system and the compromise of 1850 -- The second party system undermined, 1849-1853 -- Realignment, reorganization, and reform, 1854-1856 -- Slavery, republicanism, and the triumph of the Republican Party -- Politics, slavery, and southern secession.
