The Challenge of Democracy is well-known for its exploration of two themes: the conflicting values of freedom, order, and equality and the majoritarianism vs. pluralism debate. In addition, a focus on globalization and its implications helps students put American government in a broader context. Current coverage includes the latest developments in American Government, including the results of key races in the 2006 mid-term election. Student Achievement Series: The Challenge of Democracy is an innovative text and part of a program developed in partnership with teachers and students to meet the learning, study, and assessment goals necessary for student success. Through extensive research and focus groups conducted with a diverse cross-section of students, Houghton Mifflin presents a groundbreaking solution for skills mastery, understanding, and retention. Feedback from students has been instrumental in all aspects of development--from design and pedagogy to testing and assessment to title and packaging. These elements culminate in a textbook program that reflects the way students learn and study best. As with all texts in the Student Achievement Series, The Challenge of Democracy incorporates concise, to-the-point coverage; eliminates extraneous material; integrates pedagogy that reinforces key concepts; features a strong, supporting web component for review, testing, and assessment purposes; and provides students with real value for their educational dollar.