Government in America People, Politics, and Policy, 2012 Election Edition

by Edwards, George C., III; Wattenberg, Martin P.; Lineberry, Robert L.

• ISBN13: 9780205865611
• ISBN10: 0205865615
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780136966272, 9780205806584
• Edition: 16th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-12-21
• Publisher: Pearson
• More Book Details

Summary

Learn how American politics affect public policy Government in America, 2012 Election Editionlooks at government's impact on the daily lives of Americans with a public policy approach. This text introduces the main features of American politics and asks "how should we govern?" and "what should government do?" Government in Americahelps students see that politics drives what government canor cannot dofor the people. This text features full integration with the New MyPoliSciLab. MyPoliSciLab includes a wide array of resources to encourage students to look at American politics like a political scientist and analyze current political issues. Political Explorer lets students play the role of a political scientist by investigating issues through interactive data. Core Concept videos discuss the big ideas in each chapter and apply them to key political issues. Simulations allow students to experience how political leaders make decisions. A better teaching and learning experience This program provides a better teaching and learning experiencefor you and your students. Here's how: Personalize LearningThe New MyPoliSciLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals. MyPoliSciLab is now compatible with BlackBoard! Engage StudentsThe stunning visual design engages students in the text. Improve Critical Thinking Learning objectives in every chapter help students focus on important topics. Analyze Current EventsCoverage of the 2012 elections keeps the study of politics relevant and shows how political scientists look at the development of the American political system. Support InstructorsA full supplements package including the Class Preparation Tool in the New MyPoliSciLab is available. 0205950051 / 9780205950058 Government in America Plus 2012 Election Edition, NEW MyPoliSciLab with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package Package consists of: 0205865615 / 9780205865611 Government in America; People, Politics, and Policy, 2012 Election Edition 0205949975 / 9780205949977 NEW MyPoliSciLab with Pearson eText -- Valuepack Access Card

Author Biography

George C. Edwards III is University Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University and the Jordan Chair in Presidential Studies. He is also the Winant Professor of American Government at the University of Oxford. When he determined that he was unlikely to become shortstop for the New York Yankees, he turned to political science. Today, he is one of the country’s leading scholars of the presidency and has written or edited 25 books on American politics.

 

Martin P. Wattenberg teaches courses on American politics at the University of California, Irvine. His first regular paying job was with the Washington Redskins, from which he moved on to receive a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. He is the author of Is Voting for Young People?, which examines the role of young people in elections today. His research also encompasses how  elections in the United States compare to those in other established democracies.

 

Robert L. Lineberry is a professor of political science at the University of Houston. Bob has been president of the Policy Studies Section of the American Political Science Association and is the author or coauthor of numerous books and articles on political science. In addition, he has regularly taught the introductory course in American government for the past 40 years.

Table of Contents

1. Brief Table of Contents

2. Full Table of Contents

 

1. Brief Table of Contents

 

PART I: CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS

 

Chapter 1: Introducing Government in America
Chapter 2: The Constitution

Chapter 3: Federalism
Chapter 4: Civil Liberties and Public Policy

Chapter 5: Civil Rights and Public Policy

 

 

PART II: PEOPLE AND POLITICS

 

Chapter 6: Public Opinion and Political Action

Chapter 7: The Mass Media and the Political Agenda

Chapter 8: Political Parties

Chapter 9: Campaigns and Voting Behavior

Chapter 10: Interest Groups

 

 

PART III: THE POLICYMAKERS

 

Chapter 11: Congress

Chapter 12: The Presidency

Chapter 13: The Budget: The Politics of Taxing and Spending

Chapter 14: The Federal Bureaucracy

Chapter 15: The Federal Courts

 

 

PART IV: POLICIES

 

Chapter 16: Economic and Social Welfare Policymaking

Chapter 17: Policymaking for Health Care, the Environment, and Energy

Chapter 18: National Security Policymaking

 

---

2. Complete Table of Contents

 

PART I: CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS

 

1. Introducing Government in America 

Government

Politics

The Policymaking System

Democracy in America

The Scope of Government in America

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Candidate for Congress

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Can You Get Ahead in America?

 

2. The Constitution 

Politics in Action: Amending the Constitution 

The Origins of the Constitution

The Government That Failed: 1776—1787

Why It Matters: A Strong National Government

Making a Constitution: The Philadelphia Convention

Critical Issues at the Convention

Why It Matters: Representation in the Senate

A Point to Ponder

The Madisonian System

Why It Matters: Checks and Balances

Ratifying the Constitution

Changing the Constitution

America in Perspective: The Unusual Rigidity of the U.S. Constitution

You Are the Policymaker: How Frequently Should We Amend the Constitution?

Understanding the Constitution

Young People and Politics: Lowering the Voting Age

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Founder

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: How Long Did It Take to Ratify the Constitution?

 

3. Federalism 

Politics in Action: Conflict between Levels of Government

Defining Federalism

America in Perspective: Why Federalism?

The Constitutional Basis of Federalism

Why It Matters: Protecting Rights

Why It Matters: Commerce Power

Intergovernmental Relations

Young People and Politics: Federal Support for Colleges and Universities

Why It Matters: Grants-In-Aid

A Point to Ponder

Diversity in Policy

You Are The Policymaker: Should Whether You Live Depend On Where You Live?

Understanding Federalism      

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Federal Judge

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Which States Win or Lose the Federal Aid Game?

 

4. Civil Liberties and Public Policy 

Politics in Action: Free Speech on Campus

The Bill of Rights

Freedom of Religion

Why It Matters: The Establishment Clause

You Are the Judge: The Case of Animal Sacrifices

Freedom of Expression

You Are the Judge: The Case of the Purloined Pentagon Papers

You Are the Judge: The Case of the Drive-In Theater

Why It Matters: Libel Law

Freedom of Assembly

You Are the Judge: The Case of the Nazis’ March in Skokie

Right to Bear Arms

Why It Matters: The Exclusionary Rule

You Are the Judge: the case of Ms. Montoya

You Are the Judge: The Case of the Enticed Farmer

You Are the Judge: The Case of the First Offender

Young People and Politics: College Students Help Prevent Wrongful Deaths

The Right to Privacy

Understanding Civil Liberties

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Police Officer

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Should The Government Apply The Death Penalty?

 

5. Civil Rights and Public Policy

Politics in Action: Launching the Civil Rights Movement

The Struggle for Equality

African Americans’ Civil Rights

Why It Matters: brown v. Board of education

Young People and Politics: Freedom Riders

Why It Matters: The Voting Rights Act

The Rights of Other Minority Groups

The Rights of Women

Why It Matters: Changes in the Workplace

You Are the Judge: Is Male-Only Draft Registration Gender Discrimination?

Other Groups Active under the Civil Rights Umbrella

Affirmative Action

A Point to Ponder

You Are the Judge: The Case of the New Haven Firefighters

Understanding Civil Rights and Public Policy

America in Perspective: Respect for Minority Rights

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Mayor

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Are All Forms of Discrimination the Same?

 

PART II: PEOPLE AND POLITICS

 

6. Public Opinion and Political Action 

Politics in Action: The Limits of Public Understanding of Health Care Reform

The American People

You Are the Policymaker: Should Immigration Be Based More On Skills Than Blood Ties?

How Americans Learn About Politics: Political Socialization

Measuring Public Opinion and Political Information

A Point to Ponder

Why It Matters: Political Knowledge of the Electorate

What Americans Value: Political Ideologies

Young People and Politics: How Younger and Older Americans Compare On the Issues

How Americans Participate in Politics

America in Perspective: Conventional and Unconventional Political Participation

Why It Matters: Political Participation

Understanding Public Opinion and Political Action

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Voting Registration Volunteer

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: How Are People Involved in Politics?

 

7. The Mass Media and the Political Agenda

Politics in Action: The Increasing Difficulty of Getting Out a Presidential Message

The Mass Media Today

The Development of Media Politics

You Are the Policymaker: Should Newspapers Be Allowed To Be Nonprofit Organizations?

Young People and Politics: Learning From Comedy Shows?

Why It Matters: Media as a Business

Reporting the News

America in Perspective: The Length of Candidate Sound Bites in Four Countries

Why It Matters: The Increasing Speed of News Dissemination

The News and Public Opinion

Policy Entrepreneurs and Agenda Setting

Understanding the Mass Media

A Point to Ponder

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Newspaper Editor

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Where Do You Get Your Political News?

 

8. Political Parties 

Politics in Action: How Political Parties Can Make Elections User Friendly for Voters

The Meaning of Party

Why It Matters: Political Parties

The Party in the Electorate                                                   

Young People and Politics: The Parties Face an Independent Youth

The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington

You Are the Policymaker: Should Political Parties Choose Their Nominees In Open Or Closed Primaries?

The Party in Government: Promises and Policy Party Eras in American History

Why It Matters: Divided Party Government

Third Parties: Their Impact on American Politics

America in Perspective: Multiparty Systems in Other Countries

Understanding Political Parties

A Point to Ponder

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Voter

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Which Party Governs Better?

 

9. Campaigns and Voting Behavior

Politics in Action: How Running for Office Can Be More Demanding Than Governing        

The Nomination Game

A Point to Ponder

Why It Matters: Early Delegate Contests

The Campaign Game

Young People and Politics: Will The Internet Revolutionize Political Campaigns?

Money and Campaigning

Why It Matters: Money and Elections

The Impact of Campaigns

Whether to Vote: A Citizen’s First Choice

America in Perspective: Why Turnout In the United States Is So Low Compared To Turnout in Other Countries

Why It Matters: Youth Turnout

How Americans Vote: Explaining Citizens’ Decisions

The Last Battle: The Electoral College

You Are the Policymaker: Should We Make Every State A Battleground By Electing The President By A National Popular Vote?

Understanding Campaigns and Voting Behavior

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Voting Registration Volunteer

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Who Votes—and Who Doesn’t?

 

10. Interest Groups

Politics in Action: How the Beverage Industry Mobilized to Stop a Sugar Tax America in Perspective: Interest Group Participation 

America in Perspective: Interest Group Participation

The Role of Interest Groups

Theories of Interest Group Politics

A Point to Ponder

Why It Matters: Theories of Interest Group Politics

What Makes an Interest Group Successful?

Young People and Politics: The Virginia 21 Coalition

How Groups Try to Shape Policy

You Are the Policymaker: Should PACs Be Eliminated?

Why It Matters: PACs

Types of Interest Groups

Understanding Interest Groups

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Lobbyist

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Can interest Groups Buy Public Policy?

  

PART III: THE POLICYMAKERS

 

11. Congress

Politics in Action: Governing in Congress                                           

The Representatives and Senators

Congressional Elections

Why It Matters: Incumbent Success

You Are the Policymaker: Should We Impose Term Limits On Members Of Congress?

How Congress Is Organized to Make Policy

Why It Matters: The Filibuster

Why It Matters: Party Strength

Why It Matters: Inconsistent Oversight

Why It Matters: The Committee System

Young People and Politics: Are Opportunities To Intern Biased In Favor Of The Wealthy?

The Congressional Process and Decision Making

A Point to Ponder

Understanding Congress

America in Perspective: Malapportionment in the Upper House

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Consumer Advocate

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Can Congress Get Anything Done?

 

12. The Presidency 

Politics in Action: Presidential Power

The Presidents

A Point to Ponder

Why It Matters: Standards of Impeachment

You Are the Policymaker: What Should Be The Criteria For Impeaching The President?

Presidential Powers

America in Perspective: President or Prime Minister?

Running the Government: The Chief Executive

Presidential Leadership of Congress: The Politics of Shared Powers

Why It Matters: The President’s Veto

The President and National Security Policy

Why It Matters: War Powers

Power from the People: The Public Presidency

Young People and Politics: The Generation Gap in Presidential Approval

The President and the Press

Understanding the American Presidency

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a First-Term President

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: What Influences the President’s Public Approval?

 

13. The Budget: The Politics of Taxing and Spending

Politics in Action: The Politics of Budgeting

Federal Revenue and Borrowing

Why It Matters: The Progressive Income Tax

Why It Matters: Deficit Spending

Young People and Politics: Education and the Federal Tax Code

America in Perspective: How Big Is The Tax Burden?

Federal Expenditures

Why It Matters: “Uncontrollable” Expenditures A Point To Ponder

The Budgetary Process

You Are the Policymaker: Balancing the Budget

Understanding Budgeting

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You are a President During a Budget Crisis

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: How High are Your Taxes?

 

14. The Federal Bureaucracy

Politics in Action: Regulating Food

The Bureaucrats

Why It Matters: The Merit System

How the Federal Bureaucracy Is Organized

Why It Matters: Independent Regulatory Commissions

Bureaucracies as Implementers

Young People and Politics: Drug Offenses and Financial Aid

Why It Matters: Bureaucratic Resources

A Point to Ponder

Privatization

Bureaucracies as Regulators

You Are the Policymaker: How Should We Regulate?

Controlling the Bureaucracy

America in Perspective: Influencing Independent Agencies

Understanding Bureaucracies

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are Head of FEMA

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: What Puts the ‘Big’ in Big Government?

 

15. The Federal Courts 

Politics in Action: Finding Justice in the Supreme Court                                 

The Nature of the Judicial System

The Structure of the Federal Judicial System

The Politics of Judicial Selection

Why It Matters: Judicial Election

Why It Matters: Senatorial Courtesy

The Backgrounds of Judges and Justices

The Courts as Policymakers

A Point to Ponder

Why It Matters: The Lack of a Judicial Bureaucracy

The Courts and Public Policy: An Historical Review

Young People and Politics: The Supreme Court Is Closer Than You Think

America in Perspective: The Tenure of Supreme Court Judges

Understanding the Courts

You Are the Policymaker: The Debate over Judicial Activism

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a Supreme Court Clerk

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Who Are the Activist Judges?

 

 PART IV: POLICIES

 

16. Economic and Social Welfare Policymaking 

Politics in Action: The Debate over the Ryan Budget Plan

Economic Policymaking

Young People and Politics: Unemployment Rates by Age and Race/Ethnicity, 2011

Why It Matters: Interest Rates

Why It Matters: Keynesian vs. Supply-side economics

A Point to Ponder

Types of Social Welfare Policies

Why It Matters: Perceptions of Poverty

Income, Poverty, and Public Policy

Helping the Poor? Social Policy and Poverty

Why It Matters: The 1996 Reform of Welfare

You Are the Policymaker: Should Government Benefits Be Denied To Illegal Immigrants?

Social Security: Living on Borrowed Time

Social Welfare Policy Elsewhere

America in Perspective: Parental Leave Policies

Understanding Economic and Social Welfare Policy

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You are a Federal Reserve Chair

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Who Broke the Economy?

 

17. Policymaking for Health Care, the Environment, and Energy

Politics in Action: The President Tries to Reform Health Care

Health Care Policy

America in Perspective: The Costs and Benefits of Health Care

Young People and Politics: Health Insurance, Emergency Rooms, and Young Americans

Why It Matters: National Health Insurance

Environmental Policy

You Are the Policymaker: How Much Should We Do To Save A Species? The Florida Manatee

Why It Matters: NIMBY

Why It Matters: Global Warming

Energy Policy

A Point to Ponder

Understanding Health Care, Environmental, and Energy Policy

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are an OMB Staffer

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: Is Health Care a Public Good?

 

18. National Security Policymaking 

Politics in Action: A New Threat        

American Foreign Policy: Instruments, Actors, and Policymakers

A Point to Ponder

American Foreign Policy through the Cold War

American Foreign Policy and the War on Terrorism

Defense Policy

Why It Matters: The Defense Budget

The New National Security Agenda

Why It Matters: The Only Superpower

You Are the Policymaker: Defanging a Nuclear Threat

Young People and Politics: Embracing Globalization

Why It Matters: Economic Interdependence

America in Perspective: Ranking Largesse

Understanding National Security Policymaking

> MyPoliSciLab Video Series

> MyPoliSciLab Simulation: You Are a President During a Foreign Policy Crisis

> MyPoliSciLab Explorer: How Much Does America Spend on Defense?

 

> MyPoliSciLab Document: The Declaration of Independence

> MyPoliSciLab Document: The Constitution of the United States

> MyPoliSciLab Document: Federalist No. 10

> MyPoliSciLab Document: Federalist No. 15

> MyPoliSciLab Document: Federalist No. 51

> MyPoliSciLab Document: Federalist No. 78

> MyPoliSciLab Document: Anti-Federalist No. 17

> MyPoliSciLab Document: Marbury v. Madison

> MyPoliSciLab Document: McCulloch v. Maryland

> MyPoliSciLab Document: Brown v. Board of Education

> MyPoliSciLab Document: The Gettysburg Address

> MyPoliSciLab Document: Washington’s Farewell Address