A Brief Introduction to US Politics

A Brief Introduction to American Politicsprovides a coherent and succinct account of how contemporary American politics blends enduring principles with the realities and demands of the present day.

Beginning with a brief overview of American society today, the book introduces the constitutional framework of American politics and the fluid concept and practice of federalism. It also covers the major features of the representative process, looking at both elections and main players such as parties, interest groups, and the media. Chapters on the major institutions of the federal government - the presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court ? examines how they are simultaneously independent and constrained by each other. Chapters on domestic and foreign policy demonstrate how government and politics work in connection with the system?s main outputs.

A Brief Introduction to American Politicsis a shorter version of Politics USA and is intended for students who need an introduction to the essential features of the American political system.

Introduction: America government and politics

Chapter 1. The Constitution and constitutionalism

Chapter 2. Federalism

Chapter 3. Elections and the electorate

Chapter 4. Political parties, interest groups and money

Chapter 5. The mass media and politics

Chapter 6. The presidency and the executive branch

Chapter 7. The Congress

Chapter 8. The Supreme Court and judicial politics

Chapter 9. US government and domestic policy

Chapter 10. Foreign policy