Every chapter includes a blend of readings—from scholarly and popular sources, long and short readings, and 30 percent new to this edition. About one-fourth of the readings are classics, while the remaining three-fourths are contemporary. Each begins with a headnote explaining the significance of the piece and concludes with discussion questions that help students think critically about what they’ve just read. Finally, each chapter includes one “Debate” section, two or more readings exploring the different sides of important issues such as immigration policy, health care reform, same-sex marriage, and the effects of income inequality.