Winner of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia Literary Award of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
During the colonial era, ordinary Philadelphians played an unusually active role in political life. Because the city lacked a strong central government, private individuals working in civic associations of their own making shouldered broad responsibility for education, poverty relief, church governance, fire protection, and even taxation and military defense. These organizations dramatically expanded the opportunities for white men―rich and poor alike―to shape policies that immediately affected their communities and their own lives.
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