Just as it had in the last two hundred years of American history, politics has remained a strong American pastime and force in the lives of everyday citizens.

However, since the mid twentieth century, there has been a growing Independent movement among voters, later manifesting itself in apathy towards the end of the century.

Voters seem disinterested, and view corruption as commonplace in Washington D.C. Certain third party movements had developed, most notably Ross Perot's Reform Party, and 1996 was called by some political scientists "the year of the third party." However, even Perot had a poor showing at the polls.

The future of American politics from here seems unclear... whether Americans will continue their apathy, or become involved in further political movements to reshape our government.