government, this book integrates instruction about state and local government throughout, rather than relegating these vital institutions to a unit at the end. Traditional Democratic Theory 1. However, the chapter lengths seem fairly typical for this type of text. It would also be helpful if the text came with bookmarks to the main chapters and subsections. Additionally, there are sections within each chapter that can be assigned in other courses. Democratic backsliding in the United States is no longer a matter of speculative concern. For printing purposes, it would be helpful if graphics and/or sections did not run onto the next page. It means "rule by the people" or "sovereignty of the people". For example, could chapter 8 be divided into six or eight sections? The text will be accessible to students. Though as I said before, more recent in time statistics, graphs, charts, and pictures would help, the use of the visuals organizationally as far as charts, maps, and graphs is very good. when necessary. The text's interface is similar to any American Government textbook and has clear charts, tables, and numerous features that are clear and unobtrusive. They provide both classic and current concepts throughout the textbook. read more. I wish there were more pictures though to break up the text and to enhance the reading. Everything in this textbook looks accurate to me. I saw no issues there. Each subsection has a quick review at the end to help readers see if they understand the section. It includes many examples that students with a wide variety of backgrounds and characteristics should be able to relate to. The index is thorough and easily navigable with direct links to the relevant section of the text in which the key term is discussed. I like to 'build' my curriculum from a variety of sources; this book could provide a foundation. However, this text would need to be updated after all national elections (mid-term and presidential). And finally, it contains both sections on individual rights and liberties as well as policy and bureaucracy. But by sticking to institutional logic, historical examples, and well-established topic controversies that are not going to go away (abortion, executive orders and the use of force, the civil service), the book does an excellent job at avoiding the publishing industrys penchant for planned obsolescence. The material offered more than meets the appropriate standard for a textbook used in a first or second year course in American Government and Politics. The textbook provides for a comprehensive overview of American Government. I am skeptical that The graphics were very well done. Clear organization led to clarity of content. } Reviewed by Amanda Sink , Senior Lecturer , UNCG on 12/5/16, It covers all the areas that may be taught in an American Government intro class. Otherwise, jargon is well defined and explained with the body of the text itself in such a way that material is accessible to the intended audience. The Founders and Federalism. As a teacher of history also, I especially look for historical accuracy. Within each unit, the chapters are structured to provide connections between topics that build upon the prior chapter's learning objectives . The updates for most chapters should be easily accomplished. There is a consistent pattern in terms of the major headings outlined at the beginning of the book. Back to List. Reviewed by Charles Young, Associate Professor, Umpqua Community College on 1/3/20, The text covers exactly what an introduction to political science/government textbook should cover. These officials represent the citizens' ideas and concerns in government. 2. The book's content is accurate. read more. Not a major issue for $40, but annoying. The text is not culturally offensive, but I would like to see more sections or paragraphs that flesh out diversity and politics. The terms is not introduced again in the public opinion chapter. For example, the text's section on "Engagement in a Democracy," outlines how individuals can become more civically engaged and showcases how ordinary people can effect change. The continuing calls for student engagement is also a nice addition in that it allows the student to see more of how they can be active participants in governing beyond just paying taxes or voting. Create assignments for whole class or individual students. However domestic and foreign policy are rushed at the end while lobbyists and other peripheral topics enjoy a more central position. As a policy professor with professional experience in the field, I would be likely to use cases to follow up about how policy content accounts for those decisions in a process that includes policy actors (private and public)). The current book I use fully integrates free people of color into each chapter. The book is comprehensive, covering the major topics one would expect to find in a U.S. government textbook. Reviews. This is a slightly difficult area to comment on. I like the additional chapter on State and Local Government (Chap 14). Technical terminology is explained in a precise and clear manner. The next time I teach American politics, I will definitely use this text. But I would rather have it smaller so I It follows the standard layout of American Government textbooks and offers an effective and easily searchable index. The relevance of content is a real strength of this text. There were graphics to illustrate some of the material, and it is nice that PDF and online versions are available. The chapters are well organized and user friendly. For class, it would probably be necessary to inform students of the most important links to review. The text repeatedly incorporates up-to-date examples to illustrate its reasoning and explain how foundational themes relate to contemporary political developments. Sylvie Waskiewicz, PhD, is an editor, researcher and writer who specialties include textbook publishing and e-learning instructional design, including copyediting and proofreading with meticulous review of text, layout, and media from first pages to printer proofs as well as QC of web content (HTML/XML). It will be interesting to see the update after Election Day. Learning objectives are clearly identified for each unit, and each unit concludes with a concise summary of main points followed by multiple-choice and short answer questions. Focus on big ideas with an accessible student text built around essential questions and inquiry. One of many things I like about this textbook is that it is well organized throughout. So concludes a recent study by Princeton University Prof Martin Gilens and Northwestern University Prof Benjamin I Page. .nav-contain-highered p{ This book is very comprehensive. The is consistent in its use of terminology, and the frameworks that it provides are generally helpful and clear. Most textbooks for undergraduates in this topic area There are occasional editorial comments and examples of protests which suggest liberal criticisms of the status quo. Most textbooks for undergraduates in this topic area dont include this topic, and its a welcome addition. Government Democracy In Action Answers below. Would hope a new edition will be forthcoming over the next year or so? The book covers all of the basic components of American government. I found the textbook culturally sensitive and in no way offensive. This article lists forms of government and political systems, according to a series of different ways of categorizing them.The systems listed are not mutually exclusive, and often have overlapping definitions. Language is neutral and seems to avoid leading or biased undertones. This item: United States Government; Our Democracy, c 2018, 9780076681136, 0076681130. by McGraw-Hill Education Paperback . Would grade this as 4.5 if possible. American Government 2e offers a comprehensive survey of the core aspects of the US political system. For example, I do a lot with the 9th Amendment, but it only has three paragraphs in the textbook. Analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources including text excerpts, political cartoons, photographs, graphs, charts, and maps. PDF EBOOK United States Government Democracy In Action. - A good set of basic references at the end of each chapter. We have stopped printing many old products, but we might have some stock in our warehouse. Concerns: Textbook lacks yearly/semester pacing guide, limited ability to edit teacher resources . I have used this text successfully in the classroom, and students generally respond positively to it. Well-regarded global democracy indexessuch as Freedom House, 2 Varieties of Democracy, 3 and the Economist Intelligence Unit 4all show an erosion of American democracy since 2016. The textbook is error-free and unbiased. I did not see any clear cultural bias on the part of the authors. You can replace that space with something more relevant? Chapter 4. Nearly every chapter has classic and current concepts to understand the evolution and development of institutions. Chapter 8, Section 3 discussing the media and particularly the FCC is a very strong section of the text. I think it does an excellent review of the issue of slavery and how it impacted US government. Further, the text includes supplemental readings, such as important primary source materials, such as the Constitution and Federalist Papers #10 and #51. American Government by Krutz and Waskiewicz is an exceptionally good textbook. I wish the footnotes included links back to main text. Display features are intuitive and not confusing to the reader. The interface is excellent. Reviewed by Gina Flakes, Adjunct Professor, Aiken Technical College on 5/24/21, American Government 2e offers a comprehensive survey of the core aspects of the US political system. A couple of further notes (in no order) that didn't seem to fit anywhere else: 1. Reviewed by Rolfe Peterson, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Susquehanna University on 2/11/20, This textbook is extremely comprehensive. It was quite easy to use. read more. Offers many examples and insights to a wide variety of political views and cultures. The textbook's content is accurate, free from errors, and unbiased. I also wish that some videos were integrated into the text as students love videos and this might help to draw them into the content even more. As noted, perhaps the authors will consider a further subdivision in this regard. It is a well planned and logical progression of chapters and topics. Also, discussions are not biased toward any political ideology. Are the media an "it" or a "they?". This is a very attractive and comprehensive text that is in many ways an improvement on the texts I have used for my American Government class. read more. While things may change quickly in American government, a lot stays the same. A democracy, consequently, must be confined to a small . There is also a Link to Learning in each module that guides readers to content related updates that are available online.