Lively and straightforward, The Basics of American Politics offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government. Throughout this brief, student-friendly text, authors Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer employ a dynamic game metaphor to engage students in the basics of American government and the contact sport of politics. For introductory students of American government, this affordable text is especially ideal for advanced placement courses, community colleges, and international programs in American Studies. New to the 17th Edition Covers the personalities and actions of the new Biden administration, as well as wrapping up President Trump’s tumultuous final year in office (two impeachments, COVID, the Capitol riot) Updated to reflect the results of the 2022 midterm elections, and the impact of reapportionment and gerrymandering (based on the 2020 Census) Presents recent developments on the Supreme Court including appointment of two new justices and major decisions including those on abortion, voting rights, and LGBT rights Reflects changes in voting behavior in the 2020 and 2022 elections, as well as fights over voter suppression Explores the ongoing crisis of misinformation and disinformation Expands the discussion of tribal politics and threats to democracy Discusses student activism

This book explains American politics in simple terms. It is a manual that discusses the U.S. political system as well as U.S. foreign policy focusing on case studies from current events all over the world. Each section is written like a straightforward uncomplicated lesson. The book is simple, short and factual. The book is also designed to be read quickly for the purpose of gaining knowledge about American internal politics and external geopolitical relationships. The first three sections focus on the American Political system: The U.S. Constitution, the U.S. government and the electoral process. The next 8 sections focus on foreign policy with specific case studies. 1. Canada and Mexico. 2. NATO, Great Britain, France and Germany. 3. Russia. 4. The Arab-Israeli Conflict. 5. Saudi Arabia and Iran. 6. Syria and Iraq. 7. Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. 8. China, Japan and the Koreas. The last section discusses the U.S. role in the world today. At the end of every section there is a "food for thought" to challenge the reader about the particular case study.The book has around 100 references in the bibliography.

Newly revised, The Basics of American Government offers a comprehensive overview of the American political system for students taking introductory courses in American national government and combines the best aspects of both a traditional textbook and a reader. The Basics of American Government is a collaborative effort among six current and three former faculty members in the Department of Political Science & International Affairs and the Department of Criminal Justice, and a student contributor, at the University of North Georgia. Most of its chapters offer a piece of original scholarship as a case study bolstering the material in the chapter. Additionally, most chapters present a civic engagement-type exercise and discussion questions that are challenging and engaging, and help foster student participation in the political system. The purpose of this book is to offer a no-frills, low-cost, yet comprehensive overview of the American political system for students taking introductory courses in American national government.The authors undertook this project for several reasons, most notably the high costs of textbooks for students and the lack of college-level scholarship found in most American Government texts. This 470-page, peer-reviewed, edited book that combines traditional material with original scholarship will cost students $27.99, well below market standards. All of the authors are experienced classroom instructors, subject matter experts, and published researchers in the field of American politics.

This short, accessible text introduces us to American politics. Organized around a game metaphor, The Basics of American Politics describes the history, structure, and current affairs of the eight major "players" in the game of American politics: the president, the bureaucracy, Congress, the Supreme Court, voters, political parties, interest groups, and the media. Professor Wasserman then discusses the "rules" of the game as defined in the Constitution. He concludes with a chapter on the much debated question about the game: "Who Wins, Who Loses?" Case studies like "Federalism at 55 MPH" help students apply concepts to real-life scenarios and enhance their understanding of the material. A student favorite for 20 years, this edition has been updated to reflect Newt Gingrich's Congress, the evolving nature of federalism, and the budget battle.

To understand the world events today, you need to understand American politics. Exploring the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Jon Roper provides a sharp analysis of how history has shaped the way America governs itself. Examining the recent emergence of the right-wing Tea Party movement, President Obama's administration, American foreign policy, and the role of powerful lobbies, this is the perfect primer for anyone interested in the world's most powerful (and controversial) country.

This refreshed and dynamic Eighth Edition of Keeping the Republic revitalizes the twin themes of power and citizenship by adding to the imperative for students to navigate competing political narratives about who should get what, and how they should get it. The exploding possibilities of the digital age make this task all the more urgent and complex. Christine Barbour and Gerald Wright, the authors of this bestseller, continue to meet students where they are in order to give them a sophisticated understanding of American politics and teach them the skills to think critically about it. The entire book has been refocused to look not just at power and citizenship but at the role that control of information and its savvy consumption play in keeping the republic.