Government by the People, Brief, Fifth Edition (Paperback)

by James MacGregor Burns (Author), Jack Peltason (Author), Thomas E. Cronin (Author), David B. Magleby (Author), David O'Brien (Author), Paul Light (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This is the most authoritative book on the market today about American government; its impeccable scholarship and distinguished author team enable readers to understand how the American political system works. Its accompanying CD-ROM ties multimedia-based simulations to most chapters, making political situations come alive. Crucial updated material in this edition includes discussion of challenges to American institutions post 9/11, providing readers with a context in understanding the impacts of these recent events. In-depth coverage of the following topics make for a most interesting read: constitutional principles, the political process, policy-making institutions, rights and liberties, and the politics of national policy (economic, social, foreign, and defense). An excellent reader for those interested in American government; the comprehensive appendices and glossary, as well as the wealth of information contained in the book, make this a necessary desk reference for anyone involved in government or governmental affairs, including those in the political arena.

From the Publisher
The bestseller in the field for more than 39 years, Government By the People now brings readers the keen insights of four prize-winning political scientists -- including new author David Magleby brought on in the Fifteenth Edition. Acclaimed for its superb writing style, pedagogical support, and comprehensive treatment of the American political system, this classic has been thoroughly revised and updated to meet the needs of American government classes today. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 5 edition (July 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131842269
• ISBN-13: 978-0131842267
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #893,249 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Intro to American Politics Textbook, August 11, 2002

By	Jill U. "Jill U." (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Government by the People, 2001-2002 (Brief 4th Edition) (Paperback)

Excellent intro to politics text. I highly recommend it for a classroom or for anyone really who wants to sit down with a plain-spoken piece to get you to understand our government. Whether it is for someone with little knowledge as to who this vast bureaucracy works, or for someone with a fairly good knowledge of it all - I don't think it will disappoint.
I think what I appreciated the most was the honesty that the text was written. The authors also included a good amount of humor to emphasize the point (in cartoon, comic, Top 10 List, etc), in order to keep a reader interested.
I think this text is also a good reference as well, as there are numerous court cases and explicit examples of gov't at work - that if you are ever at a loss for "what was it that happened?" or "what does that term mean?" Things are extremely easy to find and be referred to.
Good works.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gives great insight to American government, December 28, 2004

By	R. Verma "budding tech writer" (Pennsylania) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was amazed at how interesting this book was. I used it for a class I was taking, and I had many preconceived notions that I would not like the class. I was very surprised that everything was so interesting. The author has gathered all of the latest information that was available during the publication of the book, and intergrates the ideas and concepts very well. The book gives you information that a normal person of the "general public" would not have known. I found that every chapter had something to learn that benefited me and that everything in this book applied to me as an American. Great text for my online class; I'm glad we used this book.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Book for Sister Sarah, October 11, 2008

By	!Edwin C. Pauzer (New York City) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Government by the People (Paperback)

The reflection from the light shone on the book and back on me from the shelf, as I felt another impulse purchase coming on. I reflected how I had only one political science course throughout college. Not unlike the puppy dog at the kennel that licks you through the cage, the book was saying, "Pick me." I did.

My twentieth edition, hard cover copy provides everything we should know about how our government works, and therefore would be an excellent source for 98% of our population. Besides providing a DVD for interactive simulation of government working, it contains a copy of the U.S. Constitution (my fourth), beautiful maps, and illustrations of various demographics, including the breakdown of electoral votes. The book also covers everything you might want to know about balancing the nation's checkbook, running for Congress, who's got the power?, lobbying in America, a political survey asking readers what they believe, and much, much more.

For those who never had the benefit of such a course, or wondered if they missed something about politics through an education of coincidental learning and hard knocks, this book would be a thorough and ideal learning tool.

It is a frequent source of reference. I'm even thinking of sending a copy to Sarah Winkums.