Updated to reflect the current political landscape, this book is emphasizes and explores causal questions in American Politics. It helps readers apply critical thinking tools-tools pulled directly from a social scientist,s playbook-to start answering those questions, see past today,s headlines, and understand why things really happen in our political world. Containing chapters on political culture, media and politics, and interest groups, readers will come away from this book able to think and view their world critically. Readers will come away from the book not only excited by political questions, but with the means to explore possible answers as more thoughtful and empowered citizen

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Thinking About American Politics Chapter 2 Political Culture Chapter 3 The Constitution Chapter 4 Federalism Chapter 5 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Chapter 6 Public Opinion Chapter 7 Political Participation, Voting and Elections Chapter 8 Media and Politics Chapter 9 Political Parties Chapter 10 Interest Groups Chapter 11 Congress Chapter 12 The Presidency Chapter 13 The Federal Court System Chapter 14 The Bureaucracy Chapter 15 Economic, Social and Foreign Policy