Pomeroy notes that Paxson had a masterful knowledge of political history and "found the political framework, among other conventional frameworks, indispensable in telling a general story". However, Paxson also insisted on the importance of economic and social history and had himself published on such subjects as the rise of sport and the highway movement.
Pomeroy notes that Paxson's mastery of political history enables him to craft a comprehensive narrative by incorporating various frameworks. Nonetheless, Paxson also underscores the value of economic and social history, having authored works on topics like the growth of sports and the highway movement.