American Government

Distinguished by its myth vs. reality framework, < i> American Government< /i> encourages students to confront their preconceptions about American government and to think critically about the U.S. political system. Up-to-date coverage includes the media, public opinion, the Supreme Court, domestic and international policy, education and environmental policies, and economic and social welfare.< /p> < p> The Eighth Edition features coverage of the 2006 mid-term elections and offers comprehensive resources for instructors and students.< /p> < ul> < li> < i> New!< /i> Eduspace/Blackboard/WebCT online course content includes graded homework, primary source documents, Associated Press Interactive animations, simulations, writing assignments and tutorials, discussion assignments, a threaded message board, and video clips of election ads.< li> < i> New!< /i> < i> Asked & amp; Answered< /i> boxes use an accessible question-and-answer format to take a closer look at political issues of interest to students. Each box begins with a practical but probing question on a current political issue, then follows up with a complete, yet succinct answer to the question. Topics include: Is the United States an empire? If George W. Bush wants to amend the Constitution to outlaw gay marriage, exactly what does he have to do? How do I know what my political ideology is? Just how involved are college-age students in the political process?< li> < i> New!< /i> < i> Global Politics< /i> boxes examine political institutions, orientations, and organizations from an international perspective. Topics include: ComparingConstitutions; The Reach of U.S. Contractors; Gender Equality in Legislative Bodies; and Multiple Executives.< li> < i> Politics & amp; Popular Culture< /i> boxes highlight the way different forms and transmitters of popular culture, such as movies, cartoons, and music, reflect and shape the function of government and politics. Topics include: Public Opinion, Participation, and Rock & #039; n Roll; Fake News; What Does a Wardrobe Malfunction Cost?; and Cartoons and Political Parties: & quot; Stop Them Damned Pictures& quot; .< li> Marginal < i> Critical-Thinking< /i> feature guides students in their reading.< li> < i> New!< /i> Chapter-opening vignettes for 6 of the 15 chapters provide a real-world focus for the chapter. New topics are: the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the nation& #039; s sense of vulnerability; creating the Iraqi Constitution; K Street lobbyists and pork barrel spending; Dan Rather, George W. Bush, and media bias; the successes and failures of FEMA; and the impact of illegal immigration on foreign and defense policy.< li> < i> New!< /i> Polling data, tables, and figures have been updated throughout the text.< /ul>