American Government: Readings and Cases (18th Edition) [Paperback]

Peter Woll (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0205697984 | ISBN-13: 978-0205697984 | Publication Date: February 22, 2009 | Edition: 18

With an even stronger focus on the U.S. Constitution in the post 9/11 world, the Eighteenth Edition of this best-selling reader in American government puts students directly in touch with the great authors and political leaders who have shaped—and are shaping—American government.

 

The bestselling American government reader for over 40 years, this anthology continues to provide a strong, balanced blend of classic selections that illustrate and amplify important concepts in American government, along with current readings and cases drawn from today's headlines.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Features:

 

This book has been developed to serve as either an ancillary or a core textbook. 

Extensive notes prepare, connect, and comment on the selections, presenting a more coherent narrative than in other readers.

An in-depth but accessible analysis by the author precedes each set of readings/cases to create context, prime the students for key points they'll encouter, and foster critical thinking.

An instructor’s manual, extensive lecture notes, and sample American Government syllabus helps instructors to quickly adapt the reader to their course.

The core readings of the text illustrate the historical  foundations of American government, and provide students with a sense of our political heritage.  Key concepts and topics covered include:

• John Locke’s theory of government by consent
• Madison’s constitutional model of balance and deliberative government in the national interest
• Hamilton’s model of strong presidential government
• The Supreme Court’s role in constitutional interpretation, government, and politics
• The Bill of Rights and the Supreme Court’s interpretation of it
• The constitutional and political basis of our federal system, highlighted by contemporary developments
• The importance of Federalist 10 and Madison’s view of factions and special interests
• The party model of government and the role of parties in the political process
• How special interests shape our governmental process and policies
• The characteristics of the presidency and contrasting theories of presidential power
• Edmund Burke’s Speech to the Electors of Bristol on the proper role of elected representatives
• The theories of David Mayhew, Richard Fenno, Morris Fiorina, Lawrence Dodd, and Nelson Polsby on Congress 
• How Supreme Court Justices think as they write their opinions, citing examples from William H. Rehnquist, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Antonin Scalia in the privacy area.

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New to this Edition:

 

This new edition provides new content on both historic context and modern examples of the reading of the Constitution. 

 

• Includes the 2008 Supreme Court decision in Boumediene v. Bush, upholding the authority of federal courts to issue writs of habeas corpus to enemy aliens.
• A new reading on the role of interest groups in government, an issue raised throughout the 2008 presidential election and one of Barack Obama's key talking points.
• A provocative new reading on the democratic paradox of campaign finance reform, a contentious issue in the 2008 presidential election between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama.
• A new section on the right to vote with the classic case Gomillion v. Lightfoot (1960) on racial discrimination in voting.
• Presidential scholar Edward S. Corwin contributes an article contrasting constitutional perspectives on presidential power.
• A new reading focuses on James Madison's views at the Constitutional Convention on the role of federalism in a balanced governmental system, and a 1890 article from the Harvard Law Review discusses the constitutional basis of privacy. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 18 edition (February 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205697984
• ISBN-13: 978-0205697984
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #39 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Government     > Federal Government
  • #45 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Government     > Civics

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great product.. Great Price, June 10, 2010

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B. M. Davis "bmd4usa" (CALLAHAN, FL, US) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: American Government: Readings and Cases (18th Edition) (Paperback)

I am very pleased with my purchase.. Much cheaper than what the college wanted to charge for exact same book plus it was delivered to my home.. :)

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars school history book, June 25, 2010

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Sue Romeo "Jersey Girl" (Hot & Humid, Ga) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: American Government: Readings and Cases (18th Edition) (Paperback)

Had to buy it for my daughter's history class. I think it's awful that I am obligated to buy a $100.00 book for a senior history class. They probably won't even get through 1/2 of it this year.