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Readings in American Politics: Analysis and Perspectives
Navigating the complexities of the American political system can feel like deciphering a cryptic code. This comprehensive guide, "Readings in American Politics: Analysis and Perspectives," offers a clear and insightful exploration of the key concepts, historical trends, and contemporary challenges shaping American governance. Whether you're a seasoned political scientist, a curious student, or a concerned citizen, this post will provide you with a robust understanding of the forces driving American politics. We'll delve into the foundational principles, examine significant historical events, and analyze the ongoing debates that define the American political landscape today.
H2: Understanding the Foundations: Core Principles and Historical Context
The American political system isn't built on a whim; it's rooted in a set of core principles enshrined in its founding documents and shaped by centuries of evolution. Understanding these principles is crucial to analyzing the present.
#### H3: The Constitution and its Enduring Legacy
The US Constitution, with its system of checks and balances, separation of powers, and federalism, forms the bedrock of American governance. We'll examine how these principles were conceived, the debates surrounding their implementation, and their ongoing relevance in the face of modern challenges. We'll explore the evolution of the Constitution through amendments and judicial interpretation, highlighting key Supreme Court cases that have redefined its meaning over time.
#### H3: Historical Shifts and Turning Points
American politics hasn't been static. We'll trace key historical shifts, from the Federalist-Anti-Federalist debates to the Civil Rights Movement and the rise of the modern media. Understanding these turning points provides critical context for analyzing current political trends and power dynamics. Key events like the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the Cold War will be examined for their lasting impact on the political landscape.
H2: Analyzing Contemporary Issues: Challenges and Debates
Contemporary American politics presents a complex tapestry of challenges and debates. This section will dissect some of the most pressing issues facing the nation today.
#### H3: The Role of Partisanship and Polarization
The increasing polarization of American politics is a defining characteristic of our time. We'll explore the factors contributing to this polarization, including the influence of media, gerrymandering, and the changing nature of political campaigning. We'll analyze the consequences of this heightened partisanship on effective governance and civic engagement.
#### H3: Economic Inequality and its Political Ramifications
The widening gap between the rich and the poor has profound political implications. We'll examine how economic inequality fuels political discontent, influences policy debates, and shapes electoral outcomes. We'll analyze the various policy proposals aimed at addressing this issue and their potential consequences.
#### H3: The Influence of Media and Technology
The media landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades. This section will examine the role of traditional and new media in shaping public opinion, influencing political discourse, and contributing to the spread of misinformation. We'll explore the impact of social media on political mobilization and the challenges of maintaining a well-informed electorate in the age of "fake news."
H2: Perspectives and Interpretations: Understanding Diverse Voices
American politics is not a monolith; it's a vibrant conversation composed of diverse perspectives and interpretations. This section will highlight different lenses through which to analyze the American political system.
#### H3: The Importance of Critical Thinking
Developing critical thinking skills is essential for engaging thoughtfully with political issues. We'll discuss various analytical frameworks that can be used to evaluate political arguments, identify biases, and assess the credibility of information sources.
#### H3: Exploring Different Political Ideologies
Understanding the spectrum of political ideologies, from liberalism and conservatism to libertarianism and socialism, is crucial for comprehending the debates that shape American politics. We will analyze the core tenets of each ideology and their influence on policy proposals and electoral strategies.
Conclusion
"Readings in American Politics: Analysis and Perspectives" offers a starting point for a deeper understanding of the complex and dynamic world of American politics. By examining the foundational principles, historical trends, and contemporary challenges, we can begin to navigate the complexities of the system and engage more effectively in the ongoing national conversation. This is not an exhaustive treatment, but rather an invitation to further exploration and critical engagement with the issues that shape our nation's future.
FAQs:
1. What are the key differences between the American and other democratic systems? The American system is unique in its emphasis on federalism, its strong separation of powers, and its reliance on a two-party system (though this is increasingly being challenged). Other democracies may have parliamentary systems, proportional representation, or multi-party systems.
2. How can I get involved in American politics? There are many ways to get involved, from voting and participating in local elections to joining political organizations, contacting your elected officials, and advocating for issues you care about.
3. What are some reliable sources for information on American politics? Look to reputable news organizations (with a diverse range of perspectives), academic journals, government websites, and fact-checking organizations to obtain accurate and unbiased information.
4. How does the American electoral college system work, and why is it controversial? The Electoral College assigns electors based on population; the candidate winning a majority of electors wins the presidency, regardless of the popular vote. This can lead to situations where the popular vote winner loses the election, fueling criticism of the system.
5. What are some of the biggest challenges facing American democracy today? Among the biggest challenges are political polarization, economic inequality, the influence of money in politics, voter suppression, and the spread of misinformation. Addressing these issues requires broad-based civic engagement and thoughtful policy solutions.
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Readings in American Politics Ken Kollman, 2019 A contemporary reader with an analytical approach to American politics |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Readings in American Politics Ken Kollman, 2017-06 A contemporary reader with an analytical approach to American politics.Introduces students to foundational works and recent scholarship that have shaped the way political scientists understand and analyze American government today. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: The American Political System Ken Kollman, 2015-02-13 Empirical puzzles get students thinking like political scientists. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Keeping the Republic Christine Barbour, Gerald C. Wright, 2016-11-19 This refreshed and dynamic Eighth Edition of Keeping the Republic revitalizes the twin themes of power and citizenship by adding to the imperative for students to navigate competing political narratives about who should get what, and how they should get it. The exploding possibilities of the digital age make this task all the more urgent and complex. Christine Barbour and Gerald Wright, the authors of this bestseller, continue to meet students where they are in order to give them a sophisticated understanding of American politics and teach them the skills to think critically about it. The entire book has been refocused to look not just at power and citizenship but at the role that control of information and its savvy consumption play in keeping the republic. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Perspectives on American Government Cal Jillson, 2017-08-25 Politics USA is a lively and authoritative introduction to American politics, giving students a rich and varied resource for all aspects of their course. The book provides expert and comprehensive analysis of US politics and government, including in-depth coverage of the presidency, the Congress, the Supreme Court and American foreign policy. This third edition of Politics USA has been thoroughly updated to include analysis of Challenges and policies of the first Obama administration Recent results and developments in US elections Latest major decisions of the US Supreme Court Contemporary American Foreign Policy This is an ideal introduction for students of US politics as well as anyone seeking to understand any or all aspects of politics in one of the world�s most powerful and globally influential countries. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Martin Van Buren and the Emergence of American Popular Politics Joel H. Silbey, 2002 Chronicles the life of Martin Van Buren, focusing on his role in the development and transformation of American politics in the early part of the nineteenth century. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: American Government Theodore J. Lowi, Benjamin Ginsberg, Kenneth A. Shepsle, 2009 Based on the full edition of American Government:Power and Purpose, this brief text combines concise andup-to-date coverage of the central topics in American governmentwith compelling critical analysis. Offering an array of learningtools, the 2008 Election Update Edition uses a refined pedagogicalapparatus to help students approach politics and governmentanalytically. KEY FEATURES o More flexibility to assign supplementaryreadings. The Brief Tenth edition is the perfect choice for instructors whowant the flexibility to assign readings that go beyond thetextbook. Access to the Norton American Politics Online Reader isfree with each new copy, offering an affordable way to providestudents with a range of readings to complement the textbook.Special package prices are also available with Norton''s otherreaders in American government, The Enduring Debate andFaultlines. o More, and more thoughtful, pedagogy thanother brief texts. Several helpful features appear in each chapter to help studentslearn and review. New ''Analyzing the Evidence'' units use boldgraphics to show students ''how we know what we know'' about certainpolitical phenomena. ''Core of the Analysis'' boxes on the first pageof every chapter preview the chapter''s analysis. ''In Brief'' boxes are unique to the briefedition and at least one appears in each chapter. The boxessummarize fundamental material in the chapter and have proveninvaluable in preparing for exams, according to reviewers. ''Key Terms'' are boldface in the text anddefined in the margin. Numerous figures and tables appear in everychapter. New single-column design is easier toread. Online reader icons next to citations indicateworks that are represented in the Norton American Politics OnlineReader. STUDENT RESOURCES The Norton American Politics Online Reader American Government draws on contemporary research andkey scholarship to present the field as political scientistsunderstand it today. The Norton American Politics Online Readerincludes over100 important recent articles and foundational works cited inAmerican Government. Perfect for supplementary readingassignments and special projects, an icon next to the citation inthe text indicates that a reading is available in the onlinereader. Student StudySpace The StudySpace student Web site reinforces the analyticalframework of American Government in a proven, task-oriented studyplan. Each chapter is arranged according to the effective Organize,Learn, and Connect pedagogy: o Organize-This sectioncontains: o Progress Reports to help studentsorganize their study time. o Chapter Summaries and Outlines thathelp students prepare for readings and tests. o Links to the ebook, whichintegrates online review materials with the book. o Learn-This section contains: o Diagnostic Quizzes that helpstudents study for midterms and finals. o Vocabulary Flashcards thatreinforce knowledge of key terms presented in the text. o Connect-This sectioncontains: o Politics in the News RSS Feed-Abi-weekly RSS feed of New York Times articles, annotated by PaulGronke (Reed College) helps students keep up-to-date with thelatest political news. o Analyzing the EvidenceExercises-These interactive exercises are based on the new''Analyzing the Evidence'' units in the text, which explain thesignificance of the data and the basic methodology that politicalscientists use to analyze the data INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES PowerPoint Lecture Slides, Test Bank and an Instructor''sManual. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: The Hell of Good Intentions Stephen M. Walt, 2018-10-16 A provocative analysis of recent American foreign policy and why it has been plagued by disasters like the “forever wars” in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead of a long hoped-for era of peace and prosperity, relations with Russia and China have soured, the European Union is wobbling, nationalism and populism are on the rise, and the United States is stuck in costly and pointless wars that have squandered trillions of dollars and undermined its influence around the world. The root of this dismal record, Walt argues, is the American foreign policy establishment’s stubborn commitment to a strategy of “liberal hegemony.” Since the end of the Cold War, Republicans and Democrats alike have tried to use US power to spread democracy, open markets, and other liberal values into every nook and cranny of the planet. This strategy was doomed to fail, but its proponents in the foreign policy elite were never held accountable and kept repeating the same mistakes. Donald Trump’s erratic and impulsive style of governing, combined with a deeply flawed understanding of world politics, made a bad situation worse. The best alternative, Walt argues, is a return to the realist strategy of “offshore balancing,” which eschews regime change, nation-building, and other forms of global social engineering. The American people would surely welcome a more restrained foreign policy, one that allowed greater attention to problems here at home. Clear-eyed, candid, and elegantly written, Stephen M. Walt’s The Hell of Good Intentions offers both a compelling diagnosis of America’s recent foreign policy follies and a proven formula for renewed success. “Thought-provoking . . . This excellent analysis is cogent, accessible, and well-argued.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Neighborly Adversaries Michael J. LaRosa, Frank O. Mora, 2007 Providing a balanced and interdisciplinary interpretation, this comprehensive reader traces the troubled U.S. Latin American relationship from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the post 9/11 period. Thoroughly revised and updated, the second edition includes original essays on critical issues such as immigration and the environment. In addition, a new section helps students understand the most important themes and topics that unify and divide the United States and Latin American nations today. The readings are framed by the editors' opening chapter on the history of the relationship, part introductions, and abstracts for each selection. Methodologically interdisciplinary, yet comparative and historical in organization and structure, this collection will benefit students and specialists of Latin America's complex historical, social, and political relationship with its northern neighbor. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Perspectives on World Politics Richard Little, Michael Smith, 2006 This third edition, substantially revised and updated, takes full account of the literature on the post-Cold War period and how theories have been influenced by events in the 1990s. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli, 2024-10-14 It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. The Prince, written by Niccolò Machiavelli, is a groundbreaking work in the genre of political philosophy, first published in 1532. It offers a direct and unflinching examination of power and leadership, challenging conventional notions of morality and ethics in governance. This work will leave you questioning the true nature of authority and political strategy. Machiavelli's prose captures the very essence of human ambition, forcing readers to grapple with the harsh realities of leadership. This is not just a historical treatise, but a blueprint for navigating the political power structures of any era. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of political leadership and the dynamics of influence, this book is for you. Sneak Peek Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved. In The Prince, Machiavelli draws on historical examples and his own diplomatic experience to lay out a stark vision of what it takes to seize and maintain power. From the ruthlessness of Cesare Borgia to the political maneuvering of Italian city-states, Machiavelli outlines how a leader must be prepared to act against virtue when necessary. Every decision is a gamble, and success depends on mastering the balance between cunning and force. Synopsis The story of The Prince delves into the often brutal realities of ruling. Machiavelli provides rulers with a pragmatic guide for gaining and sustaining power, asserting that the ends justify the means. The book is not just a reflection on how power was wielded in Renaissance Italy but a timeless manual that offers insight into political consulting, political history, and current political issues. Its relevance has endured for centuries, influencing leaders and thinkers alike. Machiavelli emphasizes that effective rulers must learn how to adapt, deceive, and act decisively in pursuit of their goals. This stunning, classic literature reprint of The Prince offers unaltered preservation of the original text, providing you with an authentic experience as Machiavelli intended. It's an ideal gift for anyone passionate about political science books or those eager to dive into the intricacies of power and leadership. Add this thought-provoking masterpiece to your collection, or give it to a loved one who enjoys the best political books. The Prince is more than just a book – it's a legacy. Grab Your Copy Now and get ready to command power like a true Prince. Title Details Original 1532 text Political Philosophy Historical Context |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: American Government and Politics in the Information Age , 2011 Our text is a comprehensive introduction to the vital subject of American government and politics. Governments decide who gets what, when, how (See Harold D. Lasswell, Politics: Who Gets What, When, How, [New York: McGraw-Hill, 1936]); they make policies and pass laws that are binding on all a society?s members; they decide about taxation and spending, benefits and costs, even life and death. Governments possess power?the ability to gain compliance and to get people under their jurisdiction to obey them?and they may exercise their power by using the police and military to enforce their decisions. However, power need not involve the exercise of force or compulsion; people often obey because they think it is in their interest to do so, they have no reason to disobey or they fear punishment. Above all, people obey their government because it has authority; its power is seen by people as rightfully held, as legitimate. People can grant their government legitimacy because they have been socialized to do so; because there are processes, such as elections, that enable them to choose and change their rulers; and because they believe that their governing institutions operate justly. Politics is the process by which leaders are selected and policy decisions are made and executed. It involves people and groups, both inside and outside of government, engaged in deliberation and debate, disagreement and conflict, cooperation and consensus and power struggles. In covering American government and politics, our text introduces the intricacies of the Constitution, the complexities of federalism, the meanings of civil liberties and the conflicts over civil rights; explains how people are socialized to politics, acquire and express opinions and participate in political life; describes interest groups, political parties and elections?the intermediaries that link people to government and politics; details the branches of government and how they operate; and shows how policies are made and affect people?s lives. This textbook has been used in classes at: Metropolitan College of New York, University of Central Oklahoma, Bucks County Community College, University of South Carolina? Beaufort, Delaware County Community College, Collin College? Spring Creek, Austin Community College? Northridge, Randolph College, Columbia Gorge Community College, Central Christian College, Thomas More College, Orange Coast College, San Bernardina Valley College, Southwestern College? Chula Vista, De Anza College, Shasta College, Jacksonville University, Northeastern University, University of Baltimore, Southern New Hampshire University, Seattle Central Community College, Edmonds Community College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Brazosport College, Sul Ross State University, Odessa College, California State University? Monterey Bay, University of Texas? Arlington, Chabot College, Portland Community College? Cascade, Athens High School, Dalat International School, Paradise Education Center, St. Teresa's Academy, South Broward High School, Academy of the Sacred Heart, St. Ignatius College Preparatory, Henrico County Public Schools, Blue Ridge High School, Newell High School, Southern New Hampshire University, American University in Bulgaria, Miami Springs Senior High School, Seattle Central Community College, Milaca High School, Rock Canyan High School, Media Arts Collaborative Charter School, Susan E. Wagner High School, St. Monica's University, Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Politics in Time Paul Pierson, 2011-09-19 This groundbreaking book represents the most systematic examination to date of the often-invoked but rarely examined declaration that history matters. Most contemporary social scientists unconsciously take a snapshot view of the social world. Yet the meaning of social events or processes is frequently distorted when they are ripped from their temporal context. Paul Pierson argues that placing politics in time--constructing moving pictures rather than snapshots--can vastly enrich our understanding of complex social dynamics, and greatly improve the theories and methods that we use to explain them. Politics in Time opens a new window on the temporal aspects of the social world. It explores a range of important features and implications of evolving social processes: the variety of processes that unfold over significant periods of time, the circumstances under which such different processes are likely to occur, and above all, the significance of these temporal dimensions of social life for our understanding of important political and social outcomes. Ranging widely across the social sciences, Pierson's analysis reveals the high price social science pays when it becomes ahistorical. And it provides a wealth of ideas for restoring our sense of historical process. By placing politics back in time, Pierson's book is destined to have a resounding and enduring impact on the work of scholars and students in fields from political science, history, and sociology to economics and policy analysis. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: The Oxford Handbook of American Political Parties and Interest Groups L. Sandy Maisel, Jeffrey M. Berry, 2010-01-28 The Oxford Handbook of American Political Parties and Interest Groups is a major new volume that will help scholars assess the current state of scholarship on parties and interest groups and the directions in which it needs to move. Never before has the academic literature on political parties received such an extended treatment. Twenty nine chapters critically assess both the major contributions to the literature and the ways in which it has developed. With contributions from most of the leading scholars in the field, the volume provides a definitive point of reference for all those working in and around the area. Equally important, the authors also identify areas of new and interesting research. These chapters offer a distinctive point of view, an argument about the successes and failures of past scholarship, and a set of recommendations about how future work ought to develop. This volume will help set the agenda for research on political parties and interest groups for the next decade. The Oxford Handbooks of American Politics are a set of reference books offering authoritative and engaging critical overviews of the state of scholarship on American politics. Each volume focuses on a particular aspect of the field. The project is under the General Editorship of George C. Edwards III, and distinguished specialists in their respective fields edit each volume. The Handbooks aim not just to report on the discipline, but also to shape it as scholars critically assess the scholarship on a topic and propose directions in which it needs to move. The series is an indispensable reference for anyone working in American politics. General Editor for The Oxford Handbooks of American Politics: George C. Edwards III |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Why We're Polarized Ezra Klein, 2021-04 Polarisation is often invoked as proof that our societies are broken but what if it's really the system working as intended? |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Political Corruption Arnold J. Heidenheimer, 1989-01-01 Are phenomena labeled as corrupt subject to systematic social science investigation, or does corruption lie so much in the eye of the beholder as to frustrate serious analysis? The editors of this volume, which follows up an important earlier work on the same subject, hold that the comparative perspective, involving both comparisons over time and comparisons between systems, is crucial if the study of corruption is to reach the point where it can be studied as s socio-political phenomenon. The studies of political corruption included here pertain to all areas of the world, but especially to the United States, Communist systems and Europe. Most were published during the last fifteen years, and some were written especially for the volume. Although the editors are political scientists, scholars from all social science disciplines, as well as law, history and communications, are represented among the authors of the approximately sixty selections included in this volume. The first of the book's four parts deals with changing conceptualization and definition in the study of corruption. The second part examines the incidence of corruption in the context of political development and modernization. The third part examines the special vulnerability of some local, national and international systems to corrupt practices. In the final part, perceptions of corruptions are related to scandal and other social control efforts, as well as to studies of the effect and consequences of corruption. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Insecure Majorities Frances E. Lee, 2016-08-23 “[A] tour de force. Building upon her argument in Beyond Ideology, she adds an important wrinkle into the current divide between the parties in Congress.” —Perspectives on Politics As Democrats and Republicans continue to vie for political advantage, Congress remains paralyzed by partisan conflict. That the last two decades have seen some of the least productive Congresses in recent history is usually explained by the growing ideological gulf between the parties, but this explanation misses another fundamental factor influencing the dynamic. In contrast to politics through most of the twentieth century, the contemporary Democratic and Republican parties compete for control of Congress at relative parity, and this has dramatically changed the parties’ incentives and strategies in ways that have driven the contentious partisanship characteristic of contemporary American politics. With Insecure Majorities, Frances E. Lee offers a controversial new perspective on the rise of congressional party conflict, showing how the shift in competitive circumstances has had a profound impact on how Democrats and Republicans interact. Beginning in the 1980s, most elections since have offered the prospect of a change of party control. Lee shows, through an impressive range of interviews and analysis, how competition for control of the government drives members of both parties to participate in actions that promote their own party’s image and undercut that of the opposition, including the perpetual hunt for issues that can score political points by putting the opposing party on the wrong side of public opinion. More often than not, this strategy stands in the way of productive bipartisan cooperation—and it is also unlikely to change as long as control of the government remains within reach for both parties. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: The Political Economy Reader Naazneen H. Barma, Steven K. Vogel, 2021-08-29 The Political Economy Reader advocates a particular approach to the study of political economy – the market-institutional perspective – which emphasizes the ways in which markets are embedded in political and social institutions. This perspective offers a compelling alternative to the market-liberal view, which advocates freer markets and less government intervention in the economy, as if states and markets were naturally at odds with each other. The reader embraces a truly interdisciplinary approach to the study of political economy, with extensive coverage from sociology, economics, history and political science. It includes some of the most important classical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on political economy. And it engages some of the most topical debates in political economy today, such as climate change, the global financial crisis, inequality, the digital platform economy, and the COVID-19 pandemic. For political economy courses at a variety of levels and from a range of disciplines, the reader is also of interest to scholars and citizens wanting perspective on the intersection of economics, politics, and society. New to the Second Edition • More than 20 new readings included by such notables as Elinor Ostrom, E. J. Hobsbawm, Dani Rodrik, Amartya Sen, Thomas Piketty, and Mariana Mazzucato among many others. • Fully updated introductions to the book and each thematic chapter of readings. • Coverage of key emerging debates including climate change, the financial crisis, inequality, the digital platform economy, and COVID-19 |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Utopia Thomas More, 2019-04-08 Utopia is a work of fiction and socio-political satire by Thomas More published in 1516 in Latin. The book is a frame narrative primarily depicting a fictional island society and its religious, social and political customs. Many aspects of More's description of Utopia are reminiscent of life in monasteries. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: White Identity Politics Ashley Jardina, 2019-02-28 Amidst discontent over America's growing diversity, many white Americans now view the political world through the lens of a racial identity. Whiteness was once thought to be invisible because of whites' dominant position and ability to claim the mainstream, but today a large portion of whites actively identify with their racial group and support policies and candidates that they view as protecting whites' power and status. In White Identity Politics, Ashley Jardina offers a landmark analysis of emerging patterns of white identity and collective political behavior, drawing on sweeping data. Where past research on whites' racial attitudes emphasized out-group hostility, Jardina brings into focus the significance of in-group identity and favoritism. White Identity Politics shows that disaffected whites are not just found among the working class; they make up a broad proportion of the American public - with profound implications for political behavior and the future of racial conflict in America. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Ideas of Power Verlan Lewis, 2019-05-02 This groundbreaking book presents a new understanding of ideological change. It shows how and why America's political parties have evolved. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: The Three Languages of Politics Arnold Kling, 2019-08-13 Now available in its 3rd edition, with new commentary on political psychology and communication in the Trump era, Kling's book could not be any more timely, as Americans--whether as media pundits or conversing at a party--talk past one another with even greater volume, heat, and disinterest in contrary opinions.The Three Languages of Politics it is a book about how we communicate issues and our ideologies, and how language intended to persuade instead divides. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Reading the Past Ian Hodder, Scott Hutson, 2003-12-04 Table of contents |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Public Policy Michael E. Kraft, Scott R. Furlong, 2017-04-28 In Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives, students come to understand how and why policy analysis is used to assess policy alternatives. To encourage critical and creative thinking on issues ranging from the federal deficit to health care reform to climate change, authors Michael Kraft and Scott Furlong introduce and fully integrate an evaluative approach to policy. The Sixth Edition of Public Policy offers a fully revised, concise review of institutions, policy actors, and major theoretical models as well as a discussion of the nature of policy analysis and its practice. Both the exposition and data have been updated to reflect major policy controversies and developments through the end of 2016, including new priorities of the Donald Trump administration. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Capitalism v. Democracy Timothy Kuhner, 2014-06-25 As of the latest national elections, it costs approximately $1 billion to become president, $10 million to become a Senator, and $1 million to become a Member of the House. High-priced campaigns, an elite class of donors and spenders, superPACs, and increasing corporate political power have become the new normal in American politics. In Capitalism v. Democracy, Timothy Kuhner explains how these conditions have corrupted American democracy, turning it into a system of rule that favors the wealthy and marginalizes ordinary citizens. Kuhner maintains that these conditions have corrupted capitalism as well, routing economic competition through political channels and allowing politically powerful companies to evade market forces. The Supreme Court has brought about both forms of corruption by striking down campaign finance reforms that limited the role of money in politics. Exposing the extreme economic worldview that pollutes constitutional interpretation, Kuhner shows how the Court became the architect of American plutocracy. Capitalism v. Democracy offers the key to understanding why corporations are now citizens, money is political speech, limits on corporate spending are a form of censorship, democracy is a free market, and political equality and democratic integrity are unconstitutional constraints on money in politics. Supreme Court opinions have dictated these conditions in the name of the Constitution, as though the Constitution itself required the privatization of democracy. Kuhner explores the reasons behind these opinions, reveals that they form a blueprint for free market democracy, and demonstrates that this design corrupts both politics and markets. He argues that nothing short of a constitutional amendment can set the necessary boundaries between capitalism and democracy. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Understanding Public Policy Paul Cairney, 2019-11-08 The fully revised second edition of this textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to theories of public policy and policymaking. The policy process is complex: it contains hundreds of people and organisations from various levels and types of government, from agencies, quasi- and non-governmental organisations, interest groups and the private and voluntary sectors. This book sets out the major concepts and theories that are vital for making sense of the complexity of public policy, and explores how to combine their insights when seeking to explain the policy process. While a wide range of topics are covered – from multi-level governance and punctuated equilibrium theory to 'Multiple Streams' analysis and feminist institutionalism – this engaging text draws out the common themes among the variety of studies considered and tackles three key questions: what is the story of each theory (or multiple theories); what does policy theory tell us about issues like 'evidence based policymaking'; and how 'universal' are policy theories designed in the Global North? This book is the perfect companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying public policy, whether focussed on theory, analysis or the policy process, and it is essential reading for all those on MPP or MPM programmes. New to this Edition: - New sections on power, feminist institutionalism, the institutional analysis and development framework, the narrative policy framework, social construction and policy design - A consideration of policy studies in relation to the Global South in an updated concluding chapter - More coverage of policy formulation and tools, the psychology of policymaking and complexity theory - Engaging discussions of punctuated equilibrium, the advocacy coalition framework and multiple streams analysis |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Communities in Action National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, Committee on Community-Based Solutions to Promote Health Equity in the United States, 2017-04-27 In the United States, some populations suffer from far greater disparities in health than others. Those disparities are caused not only by fundamental differences in health status across segments of the population, but also because of inequities in factors that impact health status, so-called determinants of health. Only part of an individual's health status depends on his or her behavior and choice; community-wide problems like poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate housing, poor public transportation, interpersonal violence, and decaying neighborhoods also contribute to health inequities, as well as the historic and ongoing interplay of structures, policies, and norms that shape lives. When these factors are not optimal in a community, it does not mean they are intractable: such inequities can be mitigated by social policies that can shape health in powerful ways. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity seeks to delineate the causes of and the solutions to health inequities in the United States. This report focuses on what communities can do to promote health equity, what actions are needed by the many and varied stakeholders that are part of communities or support them, as well as the root causes and structural barriers that need to be overcome. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Political Psychology John T. Jost, Jim Sidanius, 2004 First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn, 2003-02-04 Since its original landmark publication in 1980, A People's History of the United States has been chronicling American history from the bottom up, throwing out the official version of history taught in schools -- with its emphasis on great men in high places -- to focus on the street, the home, and the, workplace. Known for its lively, clear prose as well as its scholarly research, A People's History is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of -- and in the words of -- America's women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers. As historian Howard Zinn shows, many of our country's greatest battles -- the fights for a fair wage, an eight-hour workday, child-labor laws, health and safety standards, universal suffrage, women's rights, racial equality -- were carried out at the grassroots level, against bloody resistance. Covering Christopher Columbus's arrival through President Clinton's first term, A People's History of the United States, which was nominated for the American Book Award in 1981, features insightful analysis of the most important events in our history. Revised, updated, and featuring a new after, word by the author, this special twentieth anniversary edition continues Zinn's important contribution to a complete and balanced understanding of American history. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Military and Diplomatic History Timothy J. Lynch, 2013 •Entries written by renowned diplomatic and military historians as well as key scholars in international relations •Provides assessments and analyses of key episodes, issues and actors in the military and diplomatic history of the United States •Based on the award-winning Oxford Companion to United States History •Comprehensive collection of entries that span the founding of the U.S. to its present state •Offers a wide range of perspectives to provide an encompassing context of the United States' military and diplomatic legacies •Expansive bibliographies and suggested readings for each article to aid in research The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Military and Diplomatic History, a two-volume set, will offer both assessment and analysis of the key episodes, issues and actors in the military and diplomatic history of the United States. At a time of war, in which ongoing efforts to recalibrate American diplomacy are as imperative as they are perilous, the Oxford Encyclopedia will present itself as the first recourse for scholars wishing to deepen their understanding of the crucial features of the historical and contemporary foreign policy landscape and its perennially martial components. Entries will be written by the top diplomatic and military historians and key scholars of international relations from within the American academy, supplemented, as is appropriate for an encyclopedia of diplomacy, with entries from foreign-based academics, in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The crucial importance of the subject is reflected in the popularity of university courses dedicated to diplomatic and military history and the enduring appeal of international relations (IR) as a political science discipline drawing on both. The Oxford Encyclopedia will be a basic reference tool across both disciplines - a potentially very significant market. Readership: University-level undergraduate and graduate students in History |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Perspectives on American Government Calvin C. Jillson, David Robertson, 2010 Perspectives on American Governmentoffers an accessible and coherent selection of readings to students of American politics. Grounded in foundational debates, classic political science scholarship, and the best contemporary analysis of developmental trends, this reader invites students to probe the historical dynamics that brought the United States to where it is today and how those dynamics are likely to affect its future course. Even a full-length textbook can do no more than hit the high points of broad and complicated topics like federalism, the role of government, labor, race, gender, parties and interest groups, polarization, the presidency, and America's place in the world. This well-designed reader is an invitation to instructors to draw your students into a deeper conversation on the key themes and topics in each section of your course. Jillson and Robertson have carefully edited each selection to ensure readability and fidelity to the original arguments. Their insightful editorial introductions frame the context in which these topics are studied and understood. Several key pedagogical tools help students along the way: An introductory essay providing an overview of American political development Chapter introductions to provide necessary context situating the readings in broader debates Head notes at the start of each reading to contextualize that selection Questions for Discussion at the end of each chapter, prompting students to draw out the implications and connections across readings Further Reading lists at the end of each chapter to guide student research The broad readings in this volume take seriously the effort to present materials that help students make sense of the historical changes and institutional developments that are essential for understanding American government and politics today. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: The Two Faces of American Freedom Aziz Rana, 2014-04-07 The Two Faces of American Freedom boldly reinterprets the American political tradition from the colonial period to modern times, placing issues of race relations, immigration, and presidentialism in the context of shifting notions of empire and citizenship. Today, while the U.S. enjoys tremendous military and economic power, citizens are increasingly insulated from everyday decision-making. This was not always the case. America, Aziz Rana argues, began as a settler society grounded in an ideal of freedom as the exercise of continuous self-rule—one that joined direct political participation with economic independence. However, this vision of freedom was politically bound to the subordination of marginalized groups, especially slaves, Native Americans, and women. These practices of liberty and exclusion were not separate currents, but rather two sides of the same coin. However, at crucial moments, social movements sought to imagine freedom without either subordination or empire. By the mid-twentieth century, these efforts failed, resulting in the rise of hierarchical state and corporate institutions. This new framework presented national and economic security as society’s guiding commitments and nurtured a continual extension of America’s global reach. Rana envisions a democratic society that revives settler ideals, but combines them with meaningful inclusion for those currently at the margins of American life. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Democracy for Realists Christopher H. Achen, Larry M. Bartels, 2017-08-29 Why our belief in government by the people is unrealistic—and what we can do about it Democracy for Realists assails the romantic folk-theory at the heart of contemporary thinking about democratic politics and government, and offers a provocative alternative view grounded in the actual human nature of democratic citizens. Christopher Achen and Larry Bartels deploy a wealth of social-scientific evidence, including ingenious original analyses of topics ranging from abortion politics and budget deficits to the Great Depression and shark attacks, to show that the familiar ideal of thoughtful citizens steering the ship of state from the voting booth is fundamentally misguided. They demonstrate that voters—even those who are well informed and politically engaged—mostly choose parties and candidates on the basis of social identities and partisan loyalties, not political issues. They also show that voters adjust their policy views and even their perceptions of basic matters of fact to match those loyalties. When parties are roughly evenly matched, elections often turn on irrelevant or misleading considerations such as economic spurts or downturns beyond the incumbents' control; the outcomes are essentially random. Thus, voters do not control the course of public policy, even indirectly. Achen and Bartels argue that democratic theory needs to be founded on identity groups and political parties, not on the preferences of individual voters. Now with new analysis of the 2016 elections, Democracy for Realists provides a powerful challenge to conventional thinking, pointing the way toward a fundamentally different understanding of the realities and potential of democratic government. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: American Cultural Patterns Edward C. Stewart, Milton J. Bennett, 2011-06-24 This classic study was originally written by Edward Stewart in 1972 and has become a seminal work in the field of intercultural relations. In this edition, Stewart and Milton J. Bennett have greatly expanded the analysis of American cultural patterns by introducing new cross-cultural comparisons and drawing on recent reseach on value systems, perception psychology, cultural anthropology, and intercultural communication. Beginning with a discussion of the issues relative to contact between people of different cultures, the authors examine the nature of cultural assumptions and values as a framework for cross-cultural analysis. They then analyze the human perceptual process, consider the influence of language on culture, and discuss nonverbal behavior. Central to the book is an analysis of American culture constructed along four dimentions: form of activity, form of social relations, perceptions of the world, and perception of the self. American cultural traits are isolated out, analyzed, and compared with parallel characteristics of other cultures. Finally, the cultural dimentions of communication and their implications for cross-cultural interaction are examined. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Governing California in the Twenty-first Century J. Theodore Anagnoson, Gerald Bonetto, J. Vincent Buck, Richard E. DeLeon, Jolly Emrey, James J. Kelleher, Nadine Koch, 2017 Get students thinking critically about California politics. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Political Realism in Apocalyptic Times Alison McQueen, 2018 From climate change to nuclear war to the rise of demagogic populists, our world is shaped by doomsday expectations. In this path-breaking book, Alison McQueen shows why three of history's greatest political realists feared apocalyptic politics. Niccol- Machiavelli in the midst of Italy's vicious power struggles, Thomas Hobbes during England's bloody civil war, and Hans Morgenthau at the dawn of the thermonuclear age all saw the temptation to prophesy the end of days. Each engaged in subtle and surprising strategies to oppose apocalypticism, from using its own rhetoric to neutralize its worst effects to insisting on a clear-eyed, tragic acceptance of the human condition. Scholarly yet accessible, this book is at once an ambitious contribution to the history of political thought and a work that speaks to our times. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: States of Subsistence José Ciro Martínez, 2022-04-12 On any given day in Jordan, more than nine million residents eat approximately ten million loaves of khubz 'arabi—the slightly leavened flatbread known to many as pita. Some rely on this bread to avoid starvation; for others it is a customary pleasure. Yet despite its ubiquity in accounts of Middle East politics and society, rarely do we consider how bread is prepared, consumed, discussed, and circulated—and what this all represents. With this book, José Ciro Martínez examines khubz 'arabi to unpack the effects of the welfare program that ensures its widespread availability. Drawing on more than a year working as a baker in Amman, Martínez probes the practices that underpin subsidized bread. Following bakers and bureaucrats, he offers an immersive examination of social welfare provision. Martínez argues that the state is best understood as the product of routine practices and actions, through which it becomes a stable truth in the lives of citizens. States of Subsistence not only describes logics of rule in contemporary Jordan—and the place of bread within them—but also unpacks how the state endures through forms, sensations, and practices amid the seemingly unglamorous and unspectacular day-to-day. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: American Government 3e Glen Krutz, Sylvie Waskiewicz, 2023-05-12 Black & white print. American Government 3e aligns with the topics and objectives of many government courses. Faculty involved in the project have endeavored to make government workings, issues, debates, and impacts meaningful and memorable to students while maintaining the conceptual coverage and rigor inherent in the subject. With this objective in mind, the content of this textbook has been developed and arranged to provide a logical progression from the fundamental principles of institutional design at the founding, to avenues of political participation, to thorough coverage of the political structures that constitute American government. The book builds upon what students have already learned and emphasizes connections between topics as well as between theory and applications. The goal of each section is to enable students not just to recognize concepts, but to work with them in ways that will be useful in later courses, future careers, and as engaged citizens. In order to help students understand the ways that government, society, and individuals interconnect, the revision includes more examples and details regarding the lived experiences of diverse groups and communities within the United States. The authors and reviewers sought to strike a balance between confronting the negative and harmful elements of American government, history, and current events, while demonstrating progress in overcoming them. In doing so, the approach seeks to provide instructors with ample opportunities to open discussions, extend and update concepts, and drive deeper engagement. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Tides of Consent James A. Stimson, 2015-10-14 Tracking trends in American public opinion, this study examines moods of public policy over time. It argues that public opinion is decisive in American politics and identifies the citizens who produce influential change as a relatively small subset of the American electorate. |
readings in american politics analysis and perspectives: Power Steven Lukes, 2021-04-14 The third edition of this seminal work includes the original text, first published in 1974, the updates and reflections from the second edition and two groundbreaking new chapters. Power: A Radical View assesses the main debates about how to conceptualize and study power, including the influential contributions of Michel Foucault. The new material includes a development of Lukes's theory of power and presents empirical cases to exemplify this. Including a refreshed introduction, this third edition brings a book that has consolidated its reputation as a classic work and a major reference point within Social and Political Theory to a whole new audience. It can be used on modules across the Social and Political Sciences dealing with the concept of power and its manifestation in the world. It is also essential reading for all undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in the history of Social and Political Thought. New to this Edition: - A revised and refreshed introduction - Two new chapters on 'Domination and Consent' and 'Exploring the Third Dimension' |
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