INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT IN AMERICA
online timed essay 45mins to answer one question
CHAPTER 1, “INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT IN AMERICA”
NEW section “How Democratic Are We?” introduces new topics that are featured throughout the book regarding popular sovereignty, political equality, and political liberty.
Added mention of budget deficits under President Obama.
Added mention of Occupy Wall Street movement.
NEW Simulation: You Are A Candidate For Congress
NEW Explorer Infographic and MyPoliSciLab Exercise: How Do You Measure Freedom?
NEW Core Concept Videos available on MyPoliSciLab:
The Big Picture Author Edward S. Greenberg illustrates how almost every social, economic, and technological development affects people and how the resolution of problems related to these changes eventually bubbles up through the political system.
The Basics What function does government serve? In this video, you will analyze this question and explore the core values that shape our political system and how the growing diversity of our population is changing — and reaffirming — the definition of what it means to be American.
In Context Where did the basic principles of American government come from? Boston University political scientist Neta C. Crawford uncovers the Greek, Roman, and Iroquois roots of our political system. She also traces the expansion of the concept of accountability since the birth of the nation.
Thinking Like A Political Scientist Find out how and why research on American politics has shifted. Boston University political scientist Neta C. Crawford discusses how scholars who once focused on voters and institutions are now looking at deliberation as the primary indicator of the health of a democratic system.
In the Real World What is the government’s function in everyday life? Real people share their opinions on how involved the federal government should be in education by evaluating the effectiveness of the No Child Left Behind Act, which encourages standardized testing.
So What? Most people reading this book are part of the least politically involved age group in the country. Author Edward S. Greenberg invites students to make sense of the political processes and national debates that shape their lives every day.
CHAPTER 2, “THE CONSTITUTION”
Opening case study clarifies the issues of the new presidential power of executive signing statements, comparing the use of statements by President Bush with the use of statements by President Obama.
NEW Feature Can Government Do Anything Well? considers the degree to which government has influenced economic growth in America.
Mapping American Politics feature now includes 2010 census data.
NEW Simulation: You Are A Founder
NEW Explorer Infographic and MyPoliSciLab Exercise: How Long Did It Take to Ratify the Constitution?
NEW Core Concept Videos available on MyPoliSciLab:
The Big Picture Author Edward S. Greenberg discusses how the Constitution provides the basic rules for how government operates in the United States and how the rules affect the degree to which the American people are able to govern themselves.
The Basics What is the purpose of a Constitution? In this video, you will discover the reasons why the framers wrote the Constitution and how the Constitution sets up checks and balances, the protection of liberties, and the framework we need for a functioning democracy.
In Context Why is it unusual that the United States Constitution has governed so long in its present form? Fordham University political scientist Costas Panagopolos explains why the Constitution is such a rarity and how it has succeeded in an evolving American society.
Thinking Like A Political Scientist How do the institutions created by the U.S. Constitution operate and how has their role changed over time? Fordham University political scientist Costas Panagopolos examines this and other emerging issues in the research and in the study of the Constitution.
In the Real World How well does the system of checks and balances in the United States work, and is it actually fair? Real people voice their opinions on whether or not they believe it is constitutional for Congress to check the power of the president–and vice versa.
So What? How hard is it to change the Constitution? While some features of the modern political process–such as political parties and lobbyists–developed without being mentioned in the Constitution, author Edward S. Greenberg explains how the constitution is structured to favor the status quo.
CHAPTER 3, “FEDERALISM”
NEW chapter opener considers the ramifications of the Supreme Court’s 2012 decision on the Affordable Care Act as well as the legal arguments raised during the trial with a description of the act’s supporters and detractors.
Discussion on same-sex marriage reflects:
Recent state court decisions,
Congress’s Defense of Marriage Act
The growing support in opinion polls for same-sex marriage.
Wickard v. Filburn (1940) case added to the section “The Supreme Court’s Long-Term Support for the Nationalist Position.”
NEW section “Recent Push-Back” details the Tea Party’s efforts at changing the President’s agenda.
Federal deficit addressed in “Mandates” section.
NEW Feature Can Government Do Anything Well? discusses the government’s role in creating and maintaining interstate highways.
NEW Simulation: You Are A Federal Judge
NEW Explorer Infographic and MyPoliSciLab Exercise: Which States Win Or Lose The Federal Aid Game?
NEW Core Concept Videos available on MyPoliSciLab:
The Big Picture How did the national government become so much more powerful than state governments? Author Edward S. Greenberg traces the change to the Constitution itself and to a number of economic, social, and international developments.
The Basics Are you a states-right advocate? This video will help you understand how powers and responsibilities are divided between the national and state governments. You’ll also discover how the powers of the national government have expanded and consider whether this is in the best interests of the people.
In Context What is the primary mechanism for federalism in the United States? In this video, Barnard College political scientist Scott L. Minkoff explains how the national government tries to force state governments to adopt its policies and how state governments respond.
Thinking Like A Political Scientist Find answers to the most current questions that scholars of federalism are raising in the areas of welfare reform and state rights. Barnard College political scientist Scott L. Minkoff explores the challenges faced by state-rights advocates once they are elected to Congress.
In the Real World Should the federal government be allowed to mandate health care reform or should that power belong to the states? Hear supporters and detractors of Obamacare explain their opinions, and learn about the recent Supreme Court decision that handed this power to the federal government.
So What? Should the national government be involved in student loan programs? What about disaster aid? Author Edward S. Greenberg defines federalism and encourages students to decide if they believe in a strong central government or in stronger state governments.
CHAPTER 4, “THE STRUCTURAL FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS”
Chapter opener on Boeing updated to reflect 2011 sales data.
Immigration section updated with 2010 census data.
Anti-immigration Arizona legislation information added in “Becoming More Diverse” subsection.
NEW subsection “Moving West and South, and to the Suburbs” includes Americans migration patterns beginning with The Great Recession.
“Income” subsection updated to reflect changes to the median family income and net worth of Americans since The Great Recession.
NEW subsection “A Troubled Middle Class” added based on recent events and trends caused by The Great Recession.
“Globalization and Hyper-Competition” section reorganized and shortened.
By the Numbers feature updated to reflect current global economic conditions.
NEW “Using the Democracy Standard” summary.
NEW Feature Can Government Do Anything Well provides arguments for and against government-backed research and development in the science and technology fields.
NEW Simulation: You Are A City Council Member
NEW Explorer Infographic and MyPoliSciLab Exercise: Can You Get Ahead In America?
NEW Core Concept Videos available on MyPoliSciLab:
The Big Picture What are the most fundamental factors that affect what government does? Author Edward S. Greenberg argues that the nature of America’s economy, social composition, political culture, and place in the world are important factors often overlooked.
The Basics What is political culture and how is it formed? In this video, you will hear how some people describe American political culture. In the process, you will discover what core political values Americans share, how they are formed, and what major ideologies American embrace.
In Context Discuss the importance of American exceptionalism in American political culture. In this video, University of Oklahoma political scientist Allyson Shortle examines the core values that make up American political culture. She also discusses how these values gave rise to the American Dream.
Thinking Like A Political Scientist Find out what questions political scientists are investigating in the field of political culture. Southern Methodist University political scientist James Matthew Wilson assesses the impact of globalization and the emergence of ethnic and religious subcultures in the United States.
In the Real World Should the government correct the gap between the rich and the poor in the United States? This segment examines two opposing social movements–the Occupy movement and the Tea Party movement–and it considers the differences between their expectations for government.
So What? Do you know why more and more of your taxes will go towards supporting the elderly? Author Edward S. Greenberg lists some of the major structural changes that Americans will face in the coming years, along with their consequences for students.