Dr. Elizabeth Theiss-Morse’s research is in the areas of American politics and political psychology. She is specifically interested in public opinion concerning various aspects of democracy, including electoral behavior (Political Behavior of the American Electorate), tolerance (With Malice Toward Some), democratic processes (Congress as Public Enemy and Stealth Democracy), and American identity (Who Counts as an American?). Her most recent book is Respect and Loathing in American Democracy, co-authored with political theorist Jeff Spinner-Halev (highlighted in a recent 538 Politics podcast ). She is currently working on several projects that address public opinion about equality. Dr. Theiss-Morse teaches courses on American politics, democracy, and political psychology.

When she is not working, she loves reading fiction, cooking, playing tennis, and listening to jazz.

CV

Research Areas

• Public Opinion
• Political Psychology
• Political Behavior

Awards

• Five National Science Foundation grants
• Distinguished Teaching Award
• James O’Hanlon Academic Leader Award
• Several book awards, including the Fenno Award and two Robert Lane Awards

Select Publications

• Respect and Loathing in American Democracy (2024). With Jeff Spinner-Halev.
• Who Counts as an American? The Boundaries of National Identity (2009). Winner of the Robert Lane Award for the best book on political psychology
• Stealth Democracy (2002). With John Hibbing. Named an "Outstanding Academic Title" by Choice magazine
• Congress as Public Enemy (1995). With John Hibbing. Winner of the Fenno Prize for the best book on legislative politics
• With Malice Toward Some (1995). With George Marcus, John Sullivan, and Sandra Wood. Winner of the Best Book in Political Psychology award

Data Sets

• Perceptions of Congress Study survey and data set
• Democratic Processes Study survey and data set
• Perceptions of the American People Study survey and data set