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Now in its ninth edition, this popular introduction tackles the most recent trends in American politics and society through explanation, analyses, and interpretations of government processes - adding valuable context for students by considering these procedures and developments from an international perspective.* Fully updated to take account of the many recent developments in American politics and society - exploring developments characterized by the deepest ideological divisions in recent memory* Features new chapters on the performance of the Obama presidency and the polarization of American politics* Focuses on the divisive ideological climate that now dominates American politics and which was exemplified by the bitter and polarized 2016 presidential election campaign* Benefits from a student-friendly style and design with numerous illustrations and a range of helpful pedagogical features, including chronologies, biographies, and definition boxes highlighting key concepts and controversial issues* Offers thought-provoking insights into the social background to contemporary politics in America, while fully embracing the latest developments and considering these from a non-U.S. perspective
List of contents
List of Plates xivList of Figures xviiList of Tables xxPreface to the Eighth Edition xxii1 Government and the People in a Polarized Society 12 Beliefs, Values and American Society 63 Constitutional Government 414 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations 635 American Political Parties and the Politics of Polarization 866 Elections and Political Participation 1117 The Media and American Politics 1468 Congress I: The People's Branch? 1609 Congress II: Functions and Powers - The Broken Branch? 18310 The Presidency I: Powers and Selection 21211 The Presidency II: The President as Chief Executive 23212 Bureaucratic Power: Federal Departments and Agencies 25613 The Security State 27814 Organized Interests: The Real Power? 29115 The Supreme Court and Judicial Politics 31516 Regulating Morality: Civil Rights, Liberties and the Conscience Issues 34517 Social Policy in America: Self-Reliance and State Dependence 36418 Managing Economic Change 37719 Environmental Politics 39720 The American World Role 41121 The American Political System in an Uncertain World 425Websites 433Glossary 437Appendix: The Constitution of the United States 449Index 469
About the author
David McKay is Professor of Government at the University of Essex. He is the author of numerous books and articles on American and comparative politics, including Designing Europe: Comparative Lessons from the Federal Experience (2001), which won the Political Studies Association W. J. M. MacKenzie prize, 2001. He is also co-author of The New British Politics (2007).
Summary
Now in its ninth edition, this popular introduction tackles the most recent trends in American politics and society through explanation, analyses, and interpretations of government processes - adding valuable context for students by considering these procedures and developments from an international perspective.
* Fully updated to take account of the many recent developments in American politics and society - exploring developments characterized by the deepest ideological divisions in recent memory
* Features new chapters on the performance of the Obama presidency and the polarization of American politics
* Focuses on the divisive ideological climate that now dominates American politics and which was exemplified by the bitter and polarized 2016 presidential election campaign
* Benefits from a student-friendly style and design with numerous illustrations and a range of helpful pedagogical features, including chronologies, biographies, and definition boxes highlighting key concepts and controversial issues
* Offers thought-provoking insights into the social background to contemporary politics in America, while fully embracing the latest developments and considering these from a non-U.S. perspective
