Penn State Department of Political Science

Book Description

American Government courses are constantly changing because of world events and the political cycle. This new edition is rich with late-breaking coverage of as many current events as possible. This textbook, by authors who have won numerous awards for their research and writing on women and minority issues in American Government, offers an inclusive view of participants in the American political System. From this book, you will not only learn how government works, but will address many controversial issues affecting the United States today. You'll also get the chance to experience government in action through the "You Are There" feature that opens each chapter, the suggested film lists that end each chapter, and the online exercises that support and enhance the concepts in the text.

Contents

Part One: THE AMERICAN SYSTEM.
1. American People.
2. The Constitution.
3. Federalism and the Growth of Government.
Part Two: LINKS BETWEEN PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT.
4. Public Opinion.
5. News Media.
6. Interest Groups.
7. Political Parties.
8. Elections.
9. Money and Politics.
Part Three: INSTITUTIONS.
10. Congress.
11. The Presidency.
12. The Bureaucracy.
13. The Judiciary.
Part Four: CIVIL LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS.
14. Civil Liberties.
15. Civil Rights.
Part Five: PUBLIC POLICIES.
16. Economic Policy.
17. Social Welfare and Health Policy.
18. Regulation and Environmental Policy.
19. Foreign Policy.
Notes.
Appendix A: The Declaration of Independence.
Appendix B: The Constitution of the United States of America.
Appendix C: Federalist Paper 10.
Appendix D: Federalist Paper 51.
Glossary.
Index.