Booknews: This textbook on American government and politics seeks to encourage direct participation by citizens in the political process. Each chapter includes a discussion question on a controversial issue and an example of how the student can become actively involved in American politics. A sampling of topics includes the Constitution, federalism, civil rights, political parties, elections, Congress, the Presidency, bureaucracy, the Judiciary, domestic and economic policy, and foreign policy. Coverage extends to the results of the November 2000 presidential elections with an analysis of its implications for the future.

This new condensed version of the author's best-selling AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY, (which is popular across the country for its balanced, unbiased, and up-to-date coverage of constitutional, governmental, political, social, and economic structures and processes and for the way it encourages students to become involved in the political process) covers the fundamentals, offering less policy and analysis coverage and fewer features to distract readers from the basics of American Government.

This thoroughly updated edition of Schmidt, Shelley, and Bardes' popular text offers balanced, unbiased, comprehensive, and up-to-date coverage of constitutional, governmental, political, social, and economic structures and processes. The book's overriding theme is the importance of informed active citizenship, and the extensive pedagogy underscores this theme by soliciting critical thinking about political issues and encouraging students to become involved in the political process. With keen awareness of its audience, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY incorporates current examples, the Internet, and other media to stimulate learning and excitement about American government. This truly interactive text gives students more than reading material; it gives them tools to become good citizens.

Provides an up-to-date introduction and analysis of the US political scene written from a comparative perspective, newly revised and updated throughout American Politics and Society in an accessible introduction to the main institutions of the US federal government, discussing the most recent developments in broader economic, social, and comparative contexts. Now in its tenth edition, this popular textbook applies an international perspective to the relevance of historical trends, research findings in political science, and present-day governmental procedures, structures, and debates. Acclaimed author David McKay guides students through the complexities of the American political system while encouraging them to evaluate the widening ideological divide that now defines American political life and public discourse. Since the publication of the previous edition, America has undergone some of the most dramatic events in its history—from the COVID-19 pandemic, to the widespread protests against racial and economic injustice, to the aggressive populist rhetoric of Donald Trump, to the bitterly contested 2020 presidential election that culminated in the violent assault on the US Capitol. In this edition, the author addresses the escalating ideological conflict, the rise of extremism in the Republican Party, arguments over the proper role of government, the public’s expectations of politicians and political processes, and more. Offering valuable insights into both the social-political past and present of America, this classic textbook: Examines the policy process in such areas as civil rights, social policy, economic policy, the environment, and foreign policy Evaluates the performance of US government over the last decade and audits the broader American political system Encourages students to critically assess the US government in areas of democratic responsiveness and public accountability Compares international social-political perspectives to those that are uniquely American Discusses of the role of beliefs and values in American politics and how they influence broader society and economy Thanks to its clear and engaging narrative and its wealth of pedagogical features, American Politics and Society, Tenth Edition remains the ideal introductory textbook for courses exploring the institutions and processes of the US government and the most important events in the current American social and political landscape.