American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change - Softcover

Jillson, Cal

3.48

21 ratings by Goodreads

9780415995702: American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415995701 ISBN 13: 9780415995702

Publisher: Routledge, 2009

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Take stock of the political dynamics in the United States with this concise but thorough introduction to how the system works, how it got that way, who participates, and what the possibilities are for further change. Cal Jillson’s engaging text provides not only a sense of relevance, but also a sense of how politics works and how institutions, systems, avenues of participation, and policies have developed over time to produce today’s political environment in the United States. Going one step further, Jillson identifies the critical question of how American democracy might work better, focusing in every chapter on reform and likely next moves in the continually unfolding story of American politics, one in which your students will play a crucial part.

The Fifth Edition has been carefully updated to bring the coverage and scholarship fully up-to-date. Highlights include:

thorough, in-depth analysis of the 2008 campaigns and election results, as well as challenges the Obama administration will have to face

increased attention throughout to race, ethnicity, and gender, especially as they relate to the nation’s development

greater focus on the philosophical ideas and ideologies that continue to be central to American political development

additional discussions throughout on political reform, to emphasize the ongoing potential for change in American politics.

The companion website at http://americangovernment.routledge.com offers students useful study tools to master the book’s lessons, including diagnostic practice quizzes, chapter summaries, flashcards, weblinks, and participation activities. In addition, instructors have access to password-protected class prep and testing resources.

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Review:

"This textbook appeals to me a lot. Its greatest strengths are the clear, accessible writing style, combined with succinct discussion of the historical background behind why American politics today is the way it is, while not neglecting important aspects of contemporary American politics. I also believe that Jillson's comparative emphasis is a very strong aspect of the book."
―Christopher N. Lawrence, Texas A&M International University

"I am particularly impressed with this text’s focus on theory and history. Compared to many texts that cross my desk, it’s nice to see more than a page on the Constitutional Convention. Jillson’s narrative flow is excellent for keeping the interest of students. This text is superior to any I’ve used before."
―Brian A. Bearry, University of Texas at Dallas

"I rate this text very highly. Specifically, throughout the chapters Jillson integrates many of the political philosophical themes that he establishes in the beginning of the text. I do this as well in classroom lectures and discussions, so his text helps me to maintain various philosophical threads for purposes of classroom continuity and reflection. Jillson also writes at an intelligent level, yet his style is accessible. I appreciate this very much."
―John R. Pottenger, University of Alabama in Huntsville

"To understand American politics in a time of great change, students must grasp the numerous stresses, tensions, and processes that make American government so prone to periods of tension and upheaval. Cal Jillson's fifth edition is a masterful effort at introducing lower-division students to a 'dynamic' perspective on American politics and explaining how and why our government has repeatedly succeeded in adapting to new domestic and international pressures. The text is particularly noteworthy in highlighting the role that ideas, creeds, and political culture play in helping insure that we remain true to the nation's liberal-constitutional principles as we adapt to new conditions. There is no better lower division textbook for introducing students to a developmental perspective on American government."
―Lawrence C. Dodd, Manning J. Dauer Eminent Scholar in Political Science, University of Florida

About the Author:

CAL JILLSON is Professor in the Department of Political Science at Southern Methodist University. His recent books include Texas Politics: Governing the Lone Star State, Pursuing the American Dream: Opportunity and Exclusion Over Four Centuries, Pathways to Democracy: The Political Economy of Democratic Transitions, and The Dynamics of American Politics.

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