The Integrity of American Governmental Institutions

The anthology The Integrity of American Governmental Institutions: The Role of Ethics in Public Service combines general theories, functions, and practices of government with specific examples of issues confronting government today. The readings prompt students to think critically about the challenges public servants face in their work.

Students learn about the role of ethics and character in the presidency, how negative ads are used in campaigns, and how campaign finance changed after the Citizens United case. They consider race in politics, the role of committees in governing, and opinions written by Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts. Review questions which can be used in-class or as prompts for written assignments, follow each reading. Website resources have been provided for students who want to learn more about specific topics.

The Integrity of American Governmental Institutions moves beyond familiar titles and roles to help students recognize elected officials and members of the judiciary as public servants who are regularly required to engage with hotly contested issues. The book is well-suited to classes in political science, law and society, and world politics.