25% less expensive than other brief texts, and 20% shorter than the previous edition, this book is an excellent option for professors who want to use supplementary texts, readings, or periodicals. Written in a strong narrative voice and brimming with student-relevant examples, the second edition of "America""'s New Democracy" provides a focused and stimulating treatment of politics in the United States. Illustrating popular influence across the political system in defense of a central theme-that elections matter more in America's political system today than they have in the past or do in other democracies-the book challenges the pessimistic view that government seldom listens to ordinary people. "America's New Democracy" encourages readers to see that in a system where votes are the main currency, both power and responsibility rest on the shoulders of "all" citizens.