American Politics

Promise and Peril
1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-1-032-75610-3
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 346 Seiten, Format (B × H): 229 mm x 152 mm, Gewicht: 452 g

This introductory American Politics textbook highlights political controversies and debates that make politics compelling and shows that politics has the potential – against formidable odds – to solve crucial public problems. What are the conditions in which America – and other countries – can promote justice and prevent tyranny? What are the obstacles to positive change? And importantly, what are ways in which citizens can get involved?

This book explores the American political system, its institutions, people, and groups with a focus on identifying the promise and peril of American politics. Leading with central questions and controversies of American politics, the chapters cover all the key topics in American politics including the Constitution, federalism, civil rights, the presidency, Congress, courts, bureaucracy, media, parties, and interest groups.

Helping students understand how and why political events and processes occur, this book is suitable for undergraduate courses on American Government, American Politics, and Civics.

Zielgruppe

Undergraduate Advanced and Undergraduate Core

Autoren/Hrsg.

Hofrenning, Daniel

Chambers, Stefanie

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Demokratie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Kultur Staatsbürgerkunde, Staatsbürgerschaft, Zivilgesellschaft
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Studien zu einzelnen Ländern und Gebieten

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction: Thematic Focus and Objectives

1: The Constitution: Can the Constitution Prevent Tyranny?

2: Political Culture: Does America Bend toward Justice?

3: Federalism: Is Federalism a Force for Justice – or Injustice?

4: Civil Rights: Do We Need More Civil Rights Laws Today?

5: Civil Liberties: Do Our Civil Liberties Go too Far?

6: Political Parties: Why are Parties so Polarized? Is Polarization ever Good?

7: Interest Groups: Do Lobbyists Favor the Wealthy?

8: Political Opinion: What Role does Public Opinion Play in American Democracy?

9: Elections: Do Political Campaigns and Elections Matter? Are They Fair?

10: Congress: Can Congress Get Anything Done?

11: The Presidency: Is the President too Powerful — or Not Powerful Enough?

12: The Media: Is the Media a Check against Tyranny?

13: The Courts: Is the Supreme Court Too Political?

14: The Bureaucracy: Is the Bureaucracy Filled with Neutral Experts or Is It a Liberal Deep State?

15: Public Policymaking: What factors Contribute to a Successful Public Policymaking Process?

Über Autor(innen)

Daniel Hofrenning is Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies at St Olaf College, USA.

Stefanie Chambers is the Inaugural John R. Reitemeyer Term Professor of Political Science at Trinity College, USA.