AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY is known nationwide for its balanced, unbiased, and up-to-date coverage of constitutional, governmental, political, social, and economic structures and their processes. It encourages students to experience the excitement that comes with being an active, engaged, and informed citizen and provides them with the tools they need to get involved. This latest edition includes a variety of updates including in-depth coverage of the 2012 elections. This version of the text does not include the policy chapters.