Known for its extremely student-friendly, jargon-free style, the new edition ofAmerican Government: Policy and Politicsintroduces the essentials of American government in a way that all students can understand. Public policy is emphasized throughout to show students the impact that government has on their lives. The text also offers an abundance of new and revised active learning exercises to involve and engage students in the course material and enable them to become participants in their government. The eighth edition includes exciting new features and is completely updated through the 2004 presidential election, including a 2004 Electoral College map and an analysis of the outcome.