Cengage Advantage Books: American Government and Politics Today, Brief Edition, 2010-2011 [Paperback]

Steffen W. Schmidt (Author), Mack C. Shelley (Author), Barbara A. Bardes (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0495797138 | ISBN-13: 978-0495797135 | Publication Date: January 1, 2010 | Edition: 6

New features, up-to-date political news and analysis and a great low price make AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY: BRIEF EDITION, 2010-2011 a top seller. The text works to show how easily and effectively students can participate in the political process. Praised for its balanced coverage, the book examines all the key concepts of American government, while providing exciting student-oriented features that focus on active citizenship.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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About This Edition

From the Publisher

New Features

• New design creates a visually appealing, user-friendly presentation that will engage users' interest while maintaining the affordable price.


• New "The Politics of Boom and Bust" feature boxes explore the impact of current issues on politics and government, and ignite critical thinking with a closing "For Critical Analysis" question. Topics include "The Recession's Impact on Immigration," "The Audacity of Barack Obama," and "Bailouts and the Danger of Moral Hazard."


• The very latest coverage on the Obama administration and legislative agenda, the banking crisis, and health care reform.


• All-new sections on immigration including Obama's immigration proposals, energy and the environment including new information on the Cap and Trade Program, the economy including unemployment, inflation, monetary policy and the tax system, and China's economic growth.

Additional Features

• This brief, fourteen-chapter text has been heralded by reviewers as the best essentials text for its affordability, conciseness, clarity, and readability.


• Getting straight to the point, this text helps pare down a wealth of material, focusing on the essential events, concepts, and topics of an American Government course.


• Strong themes of informed and active participation along with a critical-thinking approach spark user interest in wanting to get involved and know more.


• "At Issue" feature boxes focus on a controversial topic to provoke discussion and conclude with a "For Critical Analysis" question to ignite critical thinking. New topics include "Should We Elect the President by Popular Vote?", Should Same Sex Marriages Be Recognized Everywhere?", "Should Muslim's Religious Needs Be Accommodated?", "Did the Stimulus Legislation Contain Too Much Pork?", and "Should the Rich Pay Even More in Taxes?".


• "Making a Difference" boxes at the end of each chapter promote user participation by answering the questions "Why Should You Care?" and What Can You Do?" and offering practical ways for them to get involved in politics with online resources.

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Further reference for this edition:

Download a Tabbing Guide for American Government & Politics Today, 2010-2011 Edition.

Review

"It covers the essential events, concepts, and topics of an American government introductory course in a concise, clear, and user-friendly manner. The outline of subtopics is very easy to follow and the writing is accessible and pitched at an appropriate level to allow for further supplementation in the classroom." Jeff Cummins, California State University, Fresno

"It is brief, but relatively comprehensive, in its treatment of the basic principles of American government." M. Theron Waddell, Galveston College

Product Details

• Paperback: 419 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 6 edition (January 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495797138
• ISBN-13: 978-0495797135
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Government     > Civics

More About the Author

Steffen W. Schmidt is a professor of political science at Iowa State University. He grew up in Colombia, South America, and has studied in Colombia, Switzerland, and France. He obtained his Ph.D. from Columbia University, New York, in public law and government. Schmidt has published six books and over 70 articles in scholarly journals, and is the recipient of numerous prestigious teaching prizes, including the Amoco Award for Lifetime Career Achievement in Teaching and the Teacher of the Year award. He is a pioneer in the use of Web-based and real-time video courses and is a member of the American Political Science Association's section on Computers and Multimedia. He is on the editorial board of the Political Science Educator. Schmidt also has a political talk show on WOI radio, where he is known as Dr. Politics. The show has been broadcast live from various U.S. and international venues.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT text on US Govt., March 16, 2011

By 

ARAshling - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cengage Advantage Books: American Government and Politics Today, Brief Edition, 2010-2011 (Paperback)

I have never enjoyed reading textbooks, however, this book kept my attention and was very informative. I believe EVERY US citizen should read this book. It goes over all the basics of our constitution and government setup. Definitely a 5 star textbook!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Book for school., November 20, 2011

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Amanda - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Cengage Advantage Books: American Government and Politics Today, Brief Edition, 2010-2011 (Paperback)

The book did its job. I needed it for a government. Got a great grade in the class. What more is there to say? lol (:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, September 29, 2011

By 

Jesus - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cengage Advantage Books: American Government and Politics Today, Brief Edition, 2010-2011 (Paperback)

Good book I had to buy for school. I got it quickly and was the first person in class to have it. It was much cheaper than I had seen it anywhere elese.