American Politics Today
Hardcover
William T. Bianco (Author, Indiana University, Bloomington), David T. Canon (Author, University of Wisconsin, Madison)
Finally, American politics demystified.
There is a common belief among college students that American politics and government are broken, or too complicated to understand, or completely illogical. With a student-friendly analytical framework and vivid, current examples, American Politics Today demystifies the political process and shows students how the system actually works—effectively and powerfully.
Book Details
- Hardcover
- January 2009
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ISBN 978-0-393-97883-4
- 8.9 × 11.2 in
/ 655 pages
- Territory Rights: Worldwide
Other Formats
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Full Edition / Hardcover + Paperback
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Core Edition / Paperback
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Core Edition / Ebook, Downloadable Version
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Full Edition / Ebook, Downloadable Version
Endorsements & Reviews
“This is an engaging and well written book. I especially like the 'three key ideas,' which I think will be very appealing and instructive for students. The introductory chapter is the best I've read in years!” — Denise Scheberle, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
“For instructors who want to engage their students in a political dialogue, Bianco and Canon offer a new and exciting approach to the study of American government. Their narrative is well-organized, lucid, even-handed, and fun to read.” — Joel Lieske, Cleveland State University
“Extremely readable; students will find the examples interesting and should have plenty of questions and comments based on the reading.” — Daniel Smith, Northwest Missouri State University
“It's good political science at the introductory level. The authors tell vivid and insightful political stories, and then employ recent academic work to teach real political science alongside them. The stories are well-told, and they don't go to waste in teaching the core subject. Students should respond well to this.” — Russell Renka, Southeast Missouri State University
“Bianco and Canon do a wonderful job of relating concepts in the text to their relevance in the 'real world.' The book is a good read filled with great examples that will make readers see how politics surrounds them in every-day life.” — Dave Dulio, Oakland University
“American Politics Today is a rare thing indeed; it is an American politics textbook with a fresh perspective on political conflicts and processes that engagingly illuminates its readers. The modern examples, careful attention to theory, and excellent use of data make this textbook a must for courses introducing students to contemporary politics in the United States.” — Michael Wagner, University of Nebraska
“American Politics Today teaches students that politics is everywhere, and very applicable to their daily lives.” — Catherine Paden, Simmons College
“The organizational framework of three key ideas, plus the use of interesting, illustrative stories give American Politics Today a fresh and distinctive approach which students should enjoy--and remember.” — Charles Hartwig, Arkansas State University
“American Politics Today is fresh, insightful, and highly accessible. It will be a winner in the competitive American politics textbook market.” — Baodong (Paul) Liu, The University of Utah
“Bianco and Canon have written an excellent textbook, helpful to students and instructors of all ideological bents. The text is well written and accessible. It makes clear the connections between politics and the everyday lives of Americans with plenty of engaging and even amusing stories. It is a first rate text.” — Kenneth Long, Saint Joseph College
“This is a clear and readable treatment of the major issues in American government and politics today, very appropriate for students in introductory government courses. The authors provide good, timely examples in text boxes and connect theoretical frameworks with practical cases and students' experiences.” — Paul Posner, George Mason University
“Students will find everything they need to know about American government and politics in this engaging and accessible text.” — Peter L. Francia, East Carolina University
“This is a highly innovative text. It brings to students a fresh, illuminating approach that will make the study of politics and government intelligible and interesting, which is no mean feat. Students will soak up political understanding and insight through this story-driven approach, one that sets it apart from other texts.” — David Adler, Idaho State University
“This is a very well-written and well-researched book that takes a politics first approach to explain American government. The use of state-of-the-art research and lively examples brings the subject to life. It's the kind of book both political scientists and their students will love.” — Scott McClurg, Southern Illinois University
“This is a readable and accessible text with a mission to reach students through stories that connect with their experiences.” — Steven Light, University of North Dakota
“Bianco and Canon pool their considerable expertise in the area of American politics to produce a story-driven text that links theoretical concepts to observable events and behavior. Their valuable insights ought to capture the attention of a wide range of undergraduate students.” — Sarah Fulton, Texas A&M University
“I am delighted with Bianco and Canon's text. Starting with a basic premise--politics makes sense--they proceed to clarify a system that can seem nonsensical at first glance. This book is extremely accessible without watering down key theoretical points.” — Jennifer Jensen, Binghamton University (SUNY)
“This is a fresh look at American politics with an approach that is relevant for the student--politics matters and it's all around us. It will be widely used, referenced, dog-eared, and enjoyed.” — Daniel E. Ponder, Drury University
“The story-driven approach chosen by the authors is a winner! Students will want to discuss the real life experiences in the text and before one knows it, they'll be learning.” — James Bailey, Arkansas State University - Mountain Home
“Bianco and Canon bring an innovative and refreshing perspective to the discussion and understanding of the American political system that relates directly to the average student.” — Jason Kirksey, Oklahoma State University
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