Government By the People - National Version (21st Edition) [Hardcover]

David B. Magleby (Author), David M. O'Brien (Author), Paul C. Light (Author), James Mac Gregor Burns (Author), Jack W. Peltason (Author), Thomas E. Cronin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 24, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0131921592 | ISBN-13: 978-0131921597 | Edition: 21

The most authoritative text for American Government, Government By the People is always one step ahead. Building on a long tradition of clear and accessible writing, sound scholarship, and currency, it has become the most reliable, responsive, and respected text for today's American government course. Its distinguished author team addresses your needs and the needs of your students in every edition-with the most innovative response to teaching trends, as well as trends in the discipline. With this text's essential foundation, students will be set to respond-as involved American citizens-to the political issues facing their country, and their world, in the twenty-first century.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The bestseller in the field for 45 years, Government By the People now brings readers the keen insights of four prize-winning political scientists. Acclaimed for its superb writing style, pedagogical support, comprehensive treatment of the American political system, and constitutional and political values that shape American politics and policies, this classic has been thoroughly updated in this new brief edition to include the 1994 and 1996 elections and their significance. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Acclaimed for its superb writing style and comprehensive and balanced treatment of the American political system, this classic book has been thoroughly revised and updated to address the diverse and changing nature of American politics. Covers fundamental principles processes, and institutions that pertain to American government and politics at all levels. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 21 edition (February 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131921592
• ISBN-13: 978-0131921597
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #779,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 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.

11 of 13 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
(VINE VOICE)   

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.

4 of 4 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)   

This review is from: Government by the People, Brief, Fifth Edition (Paperback)

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.