A trim, concise volume, US American Politics Reader offers a collection of classic and contemporary articles about the structure and processes of American government. It takes students beyond the typical media and pundit partisan debates to fundamental challenges and key concepts inherent in governing and organizing political affairs. Timeless articles about political culture, federalism, separation of powers, voting, judicial decision-making, and civil liberties and civil rights highlight enduring concepts and conflicts in American politics and also shed light on issues of today. Short summaries begin each article and students consider two central questions posed at the end. Instructors can direct students to write their thoughts about the questions in the book, as space is provided. These answers can then be immediately gathered by instructors, as page perforation allows collection in class if desired.
PART I: American Political Culture
Chapter 1: Individualism
PART II: Constructing the Constitution
Chapter 2: Compromises
PART III: Separation of Powers and Federalism
Chapter 3: Separated Powers
Chapter 4: Checks, Balances, Equilibrium
Chapter 5: Federalism
PART IV Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Chapter 6: Limiting Speech
Chapter 7: Freeing Speechmakers
Chapter 8: Separate but Equal
PART V: Congress
Chapter 9: Electoral Incentive
PART VI: Presidency
Chapter 10: Paradox
PART VIII: Public Opinion and Media
Chapter 12: Informed Citizens?
Chapter 13: Niche Media
PART IX: Elections
Chapter 14: Rational Voters?
PART X: Strategy
Chapter 15: Scope of Conflict