This is an introductory American politics text covering the constitutional framework of American government, political behavior and informal institutions, the formal institutions of American government, and a concluding chapter on public policy. Every chapter highlights the most current thinking in political science research and discusses related public policy.


This text teaches students to think analytically by presenting current political science theories and research in answering the engaging, big questions facing American politics today. It serves as an introduction to the discipline by reflecting the theoretical developments and types of empirical inquiry conducted by researchers.


New to the Third Edition:




2016 and 2018 election updates and analysis of their political and policy impact
Social media's growing influence on politics
The impact of the alt-right and rising populism on elections and policy
New trends in public opinion
Weakening of the Voting Rights Act
Campaign finance upheaval
The changing congressional landscape
Updated tables, figures, and photos present the empirical details of American politics, helping students gain quantitative literacy
Landmark court cases, now highlighted and linked to key concepts
Refreshed feature boxes reinforce the book's dedication to helping students understand the scientific approach to politics, incorporating intriguing new topics including genetics and public opinion, the biology of political participation, and evolution and the bureaucracy