American Government: Readings from Across Society [Paperback]

Quentin Kidd (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321066774 | ISBN-13: 978-0321066770 | Publication Date: November 25, 2000 | Edition: 1

This short, inexpensive reader was created for the express purpose of combating student apathy toward the study of American government. To engage students in the course material, Professor Kidd has edited readings drawn from a variety of sources-other disciplines, the popular press-that show students how the government is at work in all aspects of their lives. The selections are prefaced by article summaries that focus student reading and include critical thinking questions that get students actively processing the material. By presenting readings that make the study of government and politics relevant to students' lives, this unique new reader is sure to capture their interest and get them thinking about topics and issues in American government.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 1 edition (November 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321066774
• ISBN-13: 978-0321066770
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,099,326 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Not quite melted in the pot..., July 15, 2005

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: American Government: Readings from Across Society (Paperback)

America has been described historically as a melting-pot nation, but in fact as we look around, even beyond the red state/blue state division, there are far more divisions than a melting pot would permit. One political scientist described America as more of a stew - we all live together in a common society, but stay in our 'chunks' as communities, interest groups, etc.

Quentin Kidd's book illustrates that well. In this reader, Kidd has drawn together readings that illustrate the similarities and the differences in the American political structure, both at national/regional levels as well as more local levels; Kidd also incorporates theoretical/philosophical discussions as well as practical aspects.

There are four main parts broken into eight sections. The four primary parts are Foundations, Institutions/Structure of Government, Political Behaviour, and Public Policy. This book as a reader is meant to parallel or supplement any number of introductory political science/American politics texts that might be used for beginning college classes.

Selections are drawn from a wide variety of sources and writers. Each section begins with Head Notes and Section Questions that look to make connections and encourage critical thinking. Each article is preceded by a synopsis or summary, and concludes with key questions for consideration. Each article also includes website suggestions for further research and clarification.

The writing is also politically balanced - while individual writers of articles will naturally tend in one direction or the other, the overall sense of the book is a balanced presentation. 'By focusing on government and politics across society, this reader does not promote government or defend it; nor does it necessarily praise or disparage government and politics.' One organising principle is at work here - love it or hate it, government and politics are an essential part of current society.

For timeliness, there is an article on the Hispanic Bar Association's efforts to encourage the appointment of an Hispanic Supreme Court Justice (a conversation happening in the media right now). There are articles on lobbyists, voting day tendencies, immigration, equal rights, and more. Some may have provocative ideas - what would happen if the presidency, a job considered by some to have grown too large for one person, were to be broken up into several positions? Does the separation of powers continue to work as it should?

Kidd talked of people in his introductory classes who had problems relating to Federalist papers and the like, which, while historically important and having continuing influence in politics, still fail to have impact on the non-political science major the way more recent and current events have. The articles here are timely, which is to say, some are beginning to be a bit dated. This book was published in 2001, so there are no articles dealing with issues in the current Bush Administration timeframe. One hopes for a revised edition at some point that will incorporate a few articles from the most recent past, to keep with the idea of connecting political science and philosophy with current situations.

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb reader, really informative, June 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: American Government: Readings from Across Society (Paperback)

This book was recommended to me as an informatavie introduction to American politics.

I was delighted by the level of detail and the way it was put together. A must buy for anyone interested in or studing American government/politics.