Understanding American Government: The Essentials is a streamlined and highly accessible new text that offers a comprehensive introduction to American government in a condensed, affordable edition designed for today's busy students and instructors. Based on the popular award-winning Understanding American Government - now in its 11th edition - the text incorporates the same proven methodology; powerful teaching tools; and detailed, up-to-date research within a focused framework likely to appeal to even the most reluctant readers. In this lively, enjoyable text, exploration of important current issues such as diversity and minority rights complements effective coverage of the basic history, institutions, and processes of American government.

Table of Contents

Part 1: THE AMERICAN SYSTEM. 1. The American People. 2. The Constitution and Federalism. Part 2: LINKS BETWEEN PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT. 3. Public Opinion. 4. News Media. 5. Interest Groups. 6. Political Parties. 7. Elections. Part 3: INSTITUTIONS. 8. Congress. 9. The Presidency. 10. The Bureaucracy. 11. The Judiciary. Part 4: CIVIL LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS. 12. Civil Liberties. 13. Civil Rights. Part 5: PUBLIC POLICIES. 14. Domestic Policy. 15. Foreign Policy.

Author Biography

Susan Welch received her AB and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is currently Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Professor of Political Science at The Pennsylvania State University. Her teaching and research areas include legislatures, urban politics, and women and minorities in politics. She publishes widely on issues of race, gender, and urban politics. John Gruhl, Professor of Political Science, received his AB from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and his PhD from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Since joining the University of Nebraska faculty in 1976, he has taught and done research in the areas of judicial process, criminal justice, and civil rights and liberties. He holds campus- and university-wide distinguished teaching awards for excellence in undergraduate teaching and became a charter member of the university's Academy of Distinguished Teachers. John Comer is Professor of Political Science at the University of Nebraska. He received his AB in political science from Miami University in 1965 and his PhD from The Ohio State University in 1971. His teaching and research focuses on interest groups, public opinion, voting behavior, and political parties. Susan M. Rigdon received AB and PhD degrees in political science from the University of Illinois in 1966 and 1971, respectively. While focusing her teaching on comparative politics and international relations, she has also taught American government courses at several universities in the United States and China. Her research interests include culture and politics, security policy, and poverty and development. She is a Research Associate in Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.