9780470672631

Now in its eighth edition, this popular introduction tackles the most recent trends in American politics and society through explanation, analyses, and interpretations of government processes adding valuable context for students by considering these procedures and developments from an international perspective. Fully updated to take account of the many recent developments in American politics and society exploring one of the most turbulent political arenas witnessed in decades Features new chapters on environmental politics and the Obama presidency Shifts its focus from the gap between public expectations and government performance to the increasingly divisive ideological climate of America's political system Benefits from a student-friendly style and design with numerous illustrations and a range of helpful pedagogical features, including chronologies, biographies, and definition boxes highlighting key concepts and controversial issues Offers thought-provoking insights into the social background to contemporary politics in America, while fully embracing the latest developments and considering these from a non-U.S. perspective

David McKay is Professor of Government at the University of Essex. He is the author of numerous books and articles on American and comparative politics, including Designing Europe: Comparative Lessons from the Federal Experience (2001), which won the Political Studies Association W. J. M. MacKenzie prize, 2001. He is also co-author of The New British Politics (2007).

List of Plates xiv

List of Figures xvii

List of Tables xx

Preface to the Eighth Edition xxii

1 Government and the People in a Polarized Society 1

2 Beliefs, Values and American Society 6

3 Constitutional Government 41

4 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations 63

5 American Political Parties and the Politics of Polarization 86

6 Elections and Political Participation 111

7 The Media and American Politics 146

8 Congress I: The People’s Branch? 160

9 Congress II: Functions and Powers – The Broken Branch? 183

10 The Presidency I: Powers and Selection 212

11 The Presidency II: The President as Chief Executive 232

12 Bureaucratic Power: Federal Departments and Agencies 256

13 The Security State 278

14 Organized Interests: The Real Power? 291

15 The Supreme Court and Judicial Politics 315

16 Regulating Morality: Civil Rights, Liberties and the Conscience Issues 345

17 Social Policy in America: Self-Reliance and State Dependence 364

18 Managing Economic Change 377

19 Environmental Politics 397

20 The American World Role 411

21 The American Political System in an Uncertain World 425

Websites 433

Glossary 437

Appendix: The Constitution of the United States 449

Index 469

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American Politics and Society

American Politics and Society

0470672633

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