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: Hardback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Basics, the only long-established American government text under 350 pages, is a comprehensive yet compact introduction to American politics and government for beginning college and community college students. Written in a brief, current, and easily-understood style, this text provides a concise overview of the key political players, institutions, and issues in the United States.

Designed with both students and teachers in mind, Basics offers a range of features that enhance the learning experience. The book is divided into simple, focused chapters of under 30 pages, making it easy to assign and read. Each chapter includes "Spotlight On" boxes that highlight important individuals, events, and concepts, "A Closer Look" sections that provide deeper analysis, "Case Study" boxes that apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations, chapter wrap-ups, Thought Questions, Learn the Terms glossary entries, and Suggested Readings. These features help students engage with the material and provide professors with easy "launching pads" into timely topics beyond the basic text.

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, as well as wrapping up President Trump's tumultuous final year in office (two impeachments, COVID-19, 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, the 17th Edition presents 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. It also explores the ongoing crisis of misinformation and disinformation on the Internet and in social media, and expands the discussion of tribal politics, threats to democracy, and economics.

With its accessible format, comprehensive coverage, and engaging features, Basics is a valuable resource for students and professors alike. Whether used as a primary text or as a supplement to other courses, this book will help students gain a deeper understanding of American politics and government and prepare them for success in their academic and professional careers.

Weight: 807g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032359168
Edition number: 17 ed