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 – examines how they are simultaneously independent and constrained by each other. Chapters on domestic and foreign policy demonstrate how government and politics work in connection with the system’s main outputs.
A Brief Introduction to American Politicsis a shorter version of Politics USA and is intended for students who need an introduction to the essential features of the American political system.
Introduction: America government and politics
Chapter 1. The Constitution and constitutionalism
Chapter 2. Federalism
Chapter 3. Elections and the electorate
Chapter 4. Political parties, interest groups and money
Chapter 5. The mass media and politics
Chapter 6. The presidency and the executive branch
Chapter 7. The Congress
Chapter 8. The Supreme Court and judicial politics
Chapter 9. US government and domestic policy
Chapter 10. Foreign policy
Biography
Mckeever, Robert J.
"This succinct volume provides the reader with interesting and well-written overviews of all the major issues in American politics and government." -Daunis Auers, University of Latvia
