David McKay

Armageddon for Beginners

Now in its eighth edition, this popular introduction tackles the most recent trends in American politics and society through explanation, analyses, and interpretations of government processes – adding valuable context for students by considering these procedures and developments from an international perspective. Fully updated to take account of the many recent developments in American politics and society – exploring one of the most turbulent political arenas witnessed in decades Features new chapters on environmental politics and the Obama presidency Shifts its focus from the gap between public expectations and government performance to the increasingly divisive ideological climate of America’s political system Benefits from a student-friendly style and design with numerous illustrations and a range of helpful pedagogical features, including chronologies, biographies, and definition boxes highlighting key concepts and controversial issues Offers thought-provoking insights into the social background to contemporary politics in America, while fully embracing the latest developments and considering these from a non-U.S. perspective

American Politics and Society

Provides an up-to-date introduction and analysis of the US political scene written from a comparative perspective, newly revised and updated throughout American Politics and Society in an accessible introduction to the main institutions of the US federal government, discussing the most recent developments in broader economic, social, and comparative contexts. Now in its tenth edition, this popular textbook applies an international perspective to the relevance of historical trends, research findings in political science, and present-day governmental procedures, structures, and debates. Acclaimed author David McKay guides students through the complexities of the American political system while encouraging them to evaluate the widening ideological divide that now defines American political life and public discourse. Since the publication of the previous edition, America has undergone some of the most dramatic events in its history—from the COVID-19 pandemic, to the widespread protests against racial and economic injustice, to the aggressive populist rhetoric of Donald Trump, to the bitterly contested 2020 presidential election that culminated in the violent assault on the US Capitol. In this edition, the author addresses the escalating ideological conflict, the rise of extremism in the Republican Party, arguments over the proper role of government, the public’s expectations of politicians and political processes, and more. Offering valuable insights into both the social-political past and present of America, this classic textbook: Examines the policy process in such areas as civil rights, social policy, economic policy, the environment, and foreign policy Evaluates the performance of US government over the last decade and audits the broader American political system Encourages students to critically assess the US government in areas of democratic responsiveness and public accountability Compares international social-political perspectives to those that are uniquely American Discusses of the role of beliefs and values in American politics and how they influence broader society and economy Thanks to its clear and engaging narrative and its wealth of pedagogical features, American Politics and Society, Tenth Edition remains the ideal introductory textbook for courses exploring the institutions and processes of the US government and the most important events in the current American social and political landscape.

Completely revised and updated to take full account of the mostrecent and dramatic changes in the nature of American government,the sixth edition provides a clear and concise introduction to USpolitics for all students of political science and Americanstudies. Explains, analyses and interprets the processes of USgovernment and, crucially, appraises them from a non-USperspective. Includes commentary on the 2004 presidentialelection. Fills in the social background to American political andeconomic life, preparing the ground for the central discussion ofthe book: the institutions of the federal government, Congress, theSupreme Court and the Constitution, the federal system, thePresidency, the party bandwagons and the electoral system. Reduced emphasis on limited government and greater emphasis onforeign and domestic policy linked into the War on Terror. Reworkedthroughout to reflect recent developments, with two completely newchapters on The Media and American Politics, and The SecurityState. Supported by a website, www.blackwellpublishing.com/mckay,including information on the book; its detailed contents; theauthor; controversies; sample chapters; selected tables; relatedtitles; and links to other web resources. It will be regularlyupdated to ensure teachers and students have access to the mostrecent data.

Andrew Wroe

David Houghton

Controversies in American Politics and Society provides students with up-to-date reviews of the main controversies in American politics and society. Provides in-depth discussion of key American political and social issues Each controversy presents all sides of the debate Covers issues that are part of daily discourse, as well as those discussed in the media and academia Can be used alongside David McKay American Politics and Society (Fifth Edition, Blackwell Publishers, 2001) or other American government and politics texts

David McKay

About

Books

Join the club