Approaching Democracy

by Berman, Larry; Murphy, Bruce Allen

• ISBN13: 9780131102514
• ISBN10: 0131102516
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

This accessible paperback introduces readers to the basics of American government, structured around democracy as an ideal toward which we continually strive. It prepares readers to be good citizens, armed with the information they will need to follow politics and make educated choices about leaders, policies, and actions. Thematically organized and comprehensive, it emphasizes a global perspective and offers insight on issues of diversity and the struggles of various groups in the advance toward democracy. Cases and real-world examples reflect current trends and events. For an educated understanding of how to put the concept of democracy into current political context.

Table of Contents

PART I Foundations of American Democracy
Approaching Democracy	2	(24)
The Founding and the Constitution	26	(52)
The Constitution of the United States of America
Federalism	78	(36)
Constructing a New Ideal Democracy	113	(1)
PART II Institutions of American Democracy
Congress	114	(48)
The Presidency	162	(38)
The Judiciary	200	(44)
The Bureaucracy	244	(34)
PART III Processes of American Democracy
Public Opinion	278	(32)
Political Parties	310	(36)
Participation, Voting, and Elections	346	(36)
Interest Groups	382	(34)
The Media	416	(30)
PART IV Liberties and Rights in American Democracy
Civil Liberties	446	(42)
Civil Rights and Political Equality	488	(38)
PART V Policy Making in American Democracy
Domestic and Economic Policy	526	(36)
Foreign Policy	562