Keeping the Republic, 5th edition EssentialsWhether reading today's political news blog or last century's speeches on suffrage, sifting facts from hyperbole and analysis from opinion is a real challenge for students. Keeping the Republic's lively discussion of &BAD:quot;who gets what and how&BAD:quot; develops their critical thinking abilities so they aren't just memorizing details or passively reading. Every section and every feature in the book has one goal in mind: to get students to think critically and be skeptical of received wisdom. Serving as a true aid to teachers, each chapter is designed to build the students' analytical abilities. By introducing them to the seminal work in the field and showing them how to employ the themes of power and citizenship, this proven text builds confidence in students who want to take an active part in their communities and government- to play their part in keeping the republic, and to consider the consequences of that engagement (or lack thereof). In this fifth edition, students will find discussion of the Obama administration&BAD:rsquo;s early successes and setbacks, of how Congress fared under Democratic majorities, of the 2010 midterm election results, and of the lasting and lingering effects of the Great Recession, health care reform passage, two ongoing wars, the BP oil spill, and a fast-changing mass media climate. Bright, bold colors give the book&BAD:rsquo;s new interior design a jumpstart. Bigger photos visually grab students, but it&BAD:rsquo;s the innovative treatment of key terms, the ability to discern the chapter&BAD:rsquo;s structure from clear headings, and the colorful, but cohesive layout of the features that compel students to read every page.For more information on Keeping the Republic, click here.  Lone Star Politics 2nd editionLone Star PoLitics pays homage to the legendary political history of Texas while exploring how myth clashes with the reality of the state&BAD:rsquo;s day-to-day governance. How has Texas developed and flourished, but also failed to respond fully to new challenges? Explaining who gets what and how within the state, this Nogadoches author team provides an engaging narrative on the evolution of Texas politics, setting it in context with other states&BAD:rsquo; constitutions, policymaking, electoral practices, and school systems.  Updated to cover recent events, the second edition includes new discussion and expanded coverage of: ★ the results of the 2010 gubernatorial elections; ★  the impact of the Great Recession on Texas;  ★  the legislative process and the organization of the legislature; ★  the &BAD:ldquo;Texas two-step;&BAD:rdquo; ★  state education policy;★  the controversial reauthorization of the Texas Department of Transportation; and  ★  the effect of recent court cases.Highly regarded &BAD:ldquo;Texas vs. ______&BAD:rdquo; boxes (which compare Texas to other states) and &BAD:ldquo;Texas Legends&BAD:rdquo; boxes (which showcase figures and institutions that have shaped&BAD:mdash;and continue to influence&BAD:mdash;Texas politics) have been enhanced in every chapter. Concise and a great value, Lone Star Politics provides well-crafted content and numerous tables, figures, maps, and photos at an affordable cost.For more information on Lone Star Politics, click here.