American Government

Prompts students to consider how the past shapes the present and future of American politics and government.

This fourth edition prompts students to consider and understand the critical choices and enduring principles of the past that shape the present and future of American politics and government. The book is intended for introductory courses in American government.To understand contemporary American politics and government students need to see how political ideas, institutions and forces have developed over time. The fourth edition of American Government dwells on the seminal role played by political memory and path dependency in shaping contemporary institutions, political forces and public opinion, as well as the critical choices that have caused them to shift course. It provides a comprehensive depiction of current demographic, political, attitudinal and governmental facts, trends and conditions. Each chapter begins with a detailed contemporary portrait of its subject.