Basics of American Politics

• The only long-established American government text under 350 pages, Basics provides a brief, current, easily-understood introduction to American politics and government for beginning college and community college students.

• With simple, focused chapters of under 30 pages on the key political players, teachers gain confidence that their assignments using this accessible, inexpensive, long-time student favorite will be bought and read.

• A comprehensive yet compact set of features—including “Spotlight On,” “A Closer Look,” and “Case Study” boxes; chapter wrap-ups, Thought Questions, Learn the Terms glossary entries, and Suggested Readings—keep students engaged and offer professors easy “launching pads” into timely topics beyond the basic text.

New to the 17th Edition

Discusses student activism in the context of climate change.

Covers the personalities and actions of the new Biden administration, as well as wrapping up President Trump’s tumultuous final year in office (two impeachments, COVID, the Capitol Insurrection).

Updated to reflect the results of the 2022 midterm elections, and the impact of reapportionment and gerrymandering (based on the 2020 Census).

Presents recent and ongoing developments on the Supreme Court including appointment of two new justices and major decisions including those pertaining to abortion, voting rights and access, and LGBT rights.

Reflects changes in voting behavior in the 2020 and 2022 elections, as well as developments regarding both voting rights and voter suppression.

Explores the ongoing crisis of misinformation and disinformation on the Internet and in social media in particular.

Expands the discussion of tribal politics, threats to democracy, and economics.