Introduction to US Politics

A Brief Introduction to American Politicsprovides a coherent and succinct account of how contemporary American politics blends enduring principles with the realities and demands of the present day. Beginning with a brief overview of American society today, the book introduces the constitutional framework of American politics and the fluid concept and practice of federalism. It also covers the major features of the representative process, looking at both elections and main players such as parties, interest groups and the media. Chapters on the major institutions of the federal government - the presidency, the Congress and the Supreme Court Key terms and concepts are explained in a way that enables the reader to employ them with confidenceGives intelligent but accessible analysis of constitutionalism and federalism Analyses the challenges to democracy presented by an electoral system highly dependant on television and awash with interest group moneyProvides clear analysis of the powers and limitations of the presidency, the Congress and the Supreme courtExplains the main policy issues on the American political agenda and encourages students to evaluate the way in which the system works as a whole