The Basics of American Politics

Basics provides a brief, current, and easily-understood introduction to American politics and government for beginning college and community college students. It includes "Spotlight On," "A Closer Look," and "Case Study" boxes, chapter wrap-ups, Thought Questions, Learn the Terms glossary entries, and Suggested Readings. The 17th Edition discusses student activism in the context of climate change, covers the personalities and actions of the new Biden administration, and reflects the results of the 2022 midterm elections and reapportionment and gerrymandering. It also presents recent and ongoing developments on the Supreme Court, explores the ongoing crisis of misinformation and disinformation, and expands the discussion of tribal politics, threats to democracy, and economics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Basics, the only long-established American government text under 350 pages, offers a concise and up-to-date introduction to American politics and government for beginning college and community college students. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, the book is designed to engage students and provide them with a solid foundation for understanding the political landscape in the United States.

The book is divided into simple, focused chapters, each of which covers a key political player or topic. This approach ensures that teachers can confidently assign chapters to their students, knowing that they will be relevant and engaging. The chapters are also relatively short, with most being under 30 pages, making Basics an affordable and convenient choice for students.

In addition to its concise content, Basics features a comprehensive set of features that help students engage with the material and learn more effectively. These include "Spotlight On" boxes that provide additional information and context, "A Closer Look" sections that delve deeper into specific topics, "Case Study" boxes that apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations, chapter wrap-ups that summarize key points, Thought Questions that encourage critical thinking, Learn the Terms glossary entries that define important terms, and Suggested Readings that provide further resources for further exploration.

The 17th Edition of Basics has been updated to reflect the latest developments in American politics and government. It discusses student activism in the context of climate change, covers the personalities and actions of the new Biden administration, and wraps up President Trump's tumultuous final year in office, including two impeachments, COVID-19, and the Capitol Insurrection. The book also reflects the results of the 2022 midterm elections and the impact of reapportionment and gerrymandering (based on the 2020 Census).

In addition to its coverage of current events, Basics also explores recent and ongoing developments on the Supreme Court, including the appointment of two new justices and major decisions pertaining to abortion, voting rights and access, and LGBT rights. The book also reflects changes in voting behavior in the 2020 and 2022 elections, as well as developments regarding both voting rights and voter suppression.

The ongoing crisis of misinformation and disinformation on the Internet and in social media is also discussed in depth. Basics expands the discussion of tribal politics, threats to democracy, and economics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape in the United States.

Overall, Basics is an essential resource for beginning college and community college students who want to gain a better understanding of American politics and government. Its concise and accessible style, comprehensive set of features, and up-to-date content make it an ideal choice for classroom use. Whether students are studying for an exam or simply interested in learning more about the political world, Basics is a valuable tool that can help them achieve their goals.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032359151
Edition number: 17 ed