How politics in America works today, how it got that way, and how it’s likely to change through reform—these are the themes that pervade every chapter of Cal Jillson’s highly lauded American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change. Even in the midst of current challenges, America’s past is present in all aspects of the contemporary political system. Jillson uses political development and the dynamics of change as a thematic tool to help students understand how politics works now—and how institutions, participation, and policies have evolved over time to produce the contemporary political environment. In addition, Jillson helps students think critically about how American democracy might evolve further, focusing in every chapter on reform and further change.

New to the 12th Edition:



Assesses the characteristics and results of the Trump administration and the policy and tonal changes of the early Biden adminstration.
Describes numerous ways in which the American political system has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic
Assesses the implications of the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol and what it implies for our political culture and partisan politics.


Assesses the implication of "fake news" and "the move to mobile" for our politics.


Explores the evidence for increasing polarization in public opinion, voting behavior, and the work of Congress and the courts..


Details the impact that the Russian invasion of Ukraine had on President Biden’s attempt to rebuild U.S. national security alliances.