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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
List of contents
1. What Is Politics? 2. The Constitution: Rules of the Game 3. The Executive Branch: The Presidency and Bureaucracy 4. The Legislative Branch: Congress 5. The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court and the Federal Court System 6. Civil Rights and Liberties: Protecting the Players 7. Voters and Political Parties 8. Interest Groups and the Media 9. Who Wins? Who Loses? Pluralism vs. Elitism vs. Tribalism
About the author
Gary Wasserman has shaped a career in teaching, public service, political consulting, and writing. He recently wrote
The Doha Experiment about his eight years as a Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar. He now lives in Portland, Oregon.
Elliott Fullmer is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. He is the author of two recent books,
Tuesday's Gone: America's Early Voting Revolution and
Everyone's Democracy. His research on elections and voting behavior has also appeared in
Presidential Studies Quarterly,
American Politics Research,
Election Law Journal, and other outlets.
Summary
This brief, student-friendly text offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government. For introductory students of American government, this brief and affordable text is especially ideal for advanced placement courses, community colleges, and international programs in American Studies.
