Thoroughly updated through the 2002 elections and other trends facing American government, the Essentials version of this esteemed best-seller continues to provide a current and engaging introduction to the course.Like the comprehensive edition, this nuts-and-bolts version was written in the belief that we must first understand how American government and politics have developed in order to fully understand the issues facing our nation today. Featuring a distinctive "Continuity and Change" theme, the text begins with why and how our government was formed, and shows students how change is a necessary process that keeps our political system vibrant and effective.