American Government
Enduring Principles and Critical Choices

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

Marc Landy (Author)

9781108471367, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 December 2018

524 pages
26.2 x 18.3 x 2.8 cm, 1.23 kg

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.

Part I. Formative Experiences: 1. Introduction
2. Political culture
3. Contesting the constitution
4. Political development
Part II. Pivotal Relationships: 5. Federalism
6. Political economy
Part III. Governing Institutions: 7. The congress
8. The presidency
9. The judiciary
10. The bureaucracy
Part IV. Political Life: 11. Public opinion
12. Political parties
13. Campaigns, elections and media
14. Political and civic participation: movements, lobbies, voluntary associations and the role of the media
15. Concluding thoughts.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP], History of the Americas [HBJK], History [HB]