Basics of American Politics - Softcover

This brief introduction to American government has been a student favorite and a bestseller for over 30 years because of its lively, straightforward presentation.  Using a dynamic “game” metaphor, Wasserman engages students in the nuts-and-bolts of the American political system and introduces them to the contact “sport” of politics.

The Basics of American Politics includes the latest information on President Barack Obama, the 111th Congress, Justice Sonia Sotomayor and the Supreme Court, and the new media outlets affecting the American political process.  Issues such as lobbying for healthcare reform, legislating against global warming, and regulating the financial systems are just a few of the newly covered topics in this fourteenth edition.

New to the Fourteenth Edition:

·        An interview with Barack Obama discussing his views on the Presidency

·        Analysis of the Bernie Madoff scandal and the Securities and Exchange Commission

·        Updated coverage of the 111th Congress, including Arlen Spector’s switch to the Democratic Party, Al Franken’s win of the Minnesota Senate seat, and the death of Ted Kennedy

·        A new case study on the 2009 House Climate Bill

·        An updated “Presidents and the Court” box on the appointment of Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court

·        Analysis of Barack Obama’s use of the internet during the 2008 presidential campaign 

·        New statistics from the 2008 presidential election on voter turnout, party fundraising, candidate fundraising, and PAC contributions