united states government: our democracy textbook pdf

most of the chapters are pretty well self-contained and explain relevant concepts from other chapters so the student doesn't get lost. 7. Reviewed by Nicholas Goedert, Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech on 6/20/17, The text is impressively comprehensive, both with respect to its range of coverage and depth of discussion of each topic. Textbook solutions. This is disappointing but not fatal as I can update in class using the overhead. It incorporates an impressive amount of historical references to add context and depth. In general, I am impressed by the amount of thought and research that has gone in to preparing this edition. Personally, I prefer to teach institutions before individual or collective action, and that looks like it would be easy enough to do with this textbook by simply assigning some of the later chapters first and then coming back to the ones in the middle of the book later. Otherwise, jargon is well defined and explained with the body of the text itself in such a way that material is accessible to the intended audience. Each unit has three to four sub units that can easily be assigned in different readings This is the type of written activities I use in the classroom, specifically teacher driven selected chapter readings. 1. In a couple instances such as above, they simply need to be done. The textbook is a PDF and presents no problem in terms of viewing. If the candidate fails to achieve 270 votes, then the election is sent to the House of Representatives. It offers an excellent collection of concepts and ideas useful to political science students. The book clearly defines all the terms and theories and in plain language for non-majors to understand. I can see myself using this textbook in the future. United States Government - Holt McDougal 2011-02-10 The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America - Richard Rothstein 2017-05-02 New York Times Bestseller Notable Book of the Year Editors' Choice Selection One of Bill Gates' Yes, the text is clearly divided into sections, chapters, and subchapters, all numerically outlined and structured in a clear way. I found the organization of chapters a bit unconventional, and certainly different than the way I teach this course. read more. Though I had trouble accessing the PDF and online versions, it appears to have been an issue with the browser I was using at the time. Learning goals are explicit and each chapter has a clear structure and consistent features that carry throughout the chapters. The textbook content and organization is consistent throughout. The book does a nice job of acknowledging racial injustice at the time of the American founding, including the Three-Fifths Compromise, as well as the importance of the Civil War Amendments in beginning to correct those wrongs (p. 63). There is no distortion of text, images, or figures; this is all very clear. The textbook does not contain a glossary. font-weight: 400; The textbook is error-free and unbiased. The beginning of each module clearly identifies the learning objectives and is organized in such a way that it can be assigned at any point within the course as the instructor sees fit. These issues are prevalent in American political and social life, and have been accentuated during the first term of President Trump. } Similar to removing the bureaucracy form the discussion of institutions, I found the grouping of Civil Liberties and Civil Rights with Public Opinion and Elections to be an odd placement decision. Those items in chapter 8 are among my favorites. A democracy, consequently, must be confined to a small . It can be said that in capitalism, government accumulates wealth and then redistributes it to citizens. China is not a socialist country; it is an oligarchic authoritarian regime. The text is free of interface issues; charts and graphics are clear and are explained and analyzed. This could certainly be prepared for the 2020 election. UPC: 9780076681136 Each chapter is clearly divided into main sections with learning objectives, and there the text is further divided under clearly delineated sub-section heads. I see no sign of bias or editorial spin from the authors. The text contains no grammatical errors that jumped out at me which is quite an accomplishment in such a voluminous text. You have been searching for correct information on United States Government Our Democracy Textbook . I set up an assignment for my students to respond to a question based on the discussion in this section in an online class. The textbook content is thorough yet very clearly written. Chapter 2: The Origins of American Government this revised book on our United States Government. The entire unmodified textbook can be accessed here on OpenStax, where you can also download a PDF, install the app, or even order a hard copy from Amazon if you desire. Additionally, if I made any additions to the text, you may not have them. I saw no issues there. It follows the standard layout of American Government textbooks and offers an effective and easily searchable index. While I am echoing this notion from a previous review, I did find it to be true that Kurtz et al. Separation of powers refers to the process of dividing government into different branches and giving . While it clearly has a logical structure and is thoughtfully organized, chapters could be selected based on the theme and objectives of the course. The content is concise to the point it is accessible for early undergraduates, but also in depth enough that real coverage of the topics exists. the Cold War era is not well articulated. The book does a nice job of bringing in gender concerns throughout the text, as well. A good example of such are the Continuing Challenges sections. I imagine the authors are planning to update every two years and it should be relatively simple to add/subtract topical material without substantial modifications to the foundational text. read more. I am strongly considering adopting this for my students, though I wish that it were weightier and lengthier. Reviewed by M. Victoria Perez-Rios, Adjunct Assistant Professor, La Guardia Community College on 5/21/18, The textbook is very comprehensive with more than 650 pages of content plus appendices with relevant documents. For over eight decades, The United States Government Manual has been the "official handbook" of the Federal Government. I do think that some modules could be combined, but for the most part the author accomplishes this well. Reviewed by Randall Newnham, Professor of Political Science, Penn State University, Berks Campus on 2/1/18, Coverage same as most standard Am Gov textbooks, with chapters organized same as most (expensive) standard texts and each chapter about as long as standard texts. 9. I plan to regularly assign these items to use in discussion and written work. Different perspectives of complex issues are presented. One designed to be looked at online, another one that is essentially a replica of the printed version. Its framework is solid. However, it does do a nice job of considering the broader themes that characterize United States politics today. The text was easily navigable and the Index, search function, and drop-down menus in the Table of Contents functioned seamlessly. Additionally, there are sections within each chapter that can be assigned in other courses. The details and interpretations of major issues provided by the text are accurate and helpful. United States Government: Our Democracy, Student Edition Hardcover full-color textbook divided into chapters and lessons, with table of contents, atlas, glossary, and index, 952 pages]. To learn more about how the presi-dent makes important decisions and leads our nation, view the Democracy in Complex ideas were synthesized inlanguage that was easy to understand. Most textbooks for undergraduates in this topic area There is a vibrant discussion in modern research on the balance between socialization and genetics in public opinion research that should be included. The work provides a comprehensive overview of both the formal and informal political institutions that one would expect to find in an introductory-level American Government text. Moreover, I found the film selection stiflingno documentaries, no TV series, no foreign films. The United States Government Manual. One issue that does not receive a lot of direct attention is American political culture, including the values that underlie our democratic system, but this can be supplied complementary readings. United States Government: A Textbook. Sixth, from pp. The president signs bills into law or vetoes them. (1) I liked the narrative on different types of government but I think that a table with the Greek classification of types of governments based on how many rule and whether they are good or bad would have clarified it better for students. The relevance of content is a real strength of this text. Key terms are defined with appropriate detail in a glossary and the summaries serve to reinforce the material covered in each section. United States Government: Democracy in Action. I am sure many people would leave these out, but they are there if you want them. Generally, I don't think my critique of the modularity poses a problem for the use of this text. He was our longest-serving president and also our best. The terms is not introduced again in the public opinion chapter. I repeat that the textbook content is well written. Political behavior for presidential and mid-term congressional elections should be analyzed independently. Everything was clear and easy to find, including graphics, charts, and figures. There are a number of instances where, as was previously noted, there are significant blocks of text in long paragraphs without subheadings or some other type of break. According to Yale professor Juan Jos Linz there are three main types of political systems today: democracies, totalitarian regimes and, sitting between these two, authoritarian regimes . Although there is an internet link to the Articles in Chapter 2, I find it more useful for students to have access to the Articles within the textbook so they see they are important. In the course of using this textbook, I have discovered no significant errors. The narrative is engaging and very well written. read more. You can use that resource if you would . United States Government. Oak Meadow Website . The textbook provides for a comprehensive overview of American Government. While there are changes I would like to see, that is true for any book. As for "flow," here again I suggest that there are too many "Note" interruptions to the readings. The textbooks language is not as direct and as appealing to the pedagogical style of this new generation of students. Analysis of political institutions is well-balanced with substantial attention to the role of the individual and collective action. One of many things I like about this textbook is that it is well organized throughout. My least favorite chapter concerns Federalism (3), not because of the topic but I just think that chapter is not as informative as others. Most textbooks for undergraduates in this topic area dont include this topic, and its a welcome addition. font-weight: 400 !important; The book is actually slightly longer and denser than other texts I have assigned for an introductory course in American government. read more. Greek city-state or polis b) New England town meeting c) Abandoned as size of towns increased and issues became more complex 2. The book is comprehensive, covering the major topics one would expect to find in a U.S. government textbook. Sometimes the content makes leaps (are heuristics really an appropriate topic for an Intro to Government textbook, given how complex the concept is in the political psych literature)? Those considering a new adaption for the introduction to American Government class would do well to give Kurtz et. The endnotes are difficult to follow. The prose is accessible, and the authors' have done an outstanding job avoiding the jargon that can unnecessarily complicate a text. The writing is clear and concise. That is, of course, just one area. I am impressed with the comprehensiveness of the textbook. al consideration. Images and charts that are presented are not distractions at all, most of the time they are enhancements of the chapters. Feb. 23, 2017. Overall the textbook is highly consistent. The images and charts used in the book help clarify the concepts very well. From the origins of the US political system, the constitutional framework, participatory inputs, formal institutions, and public policy, the major points are By the standards of Introduction to American Politics textbooks, this is a comprehensive offering. The best way to protect these rights was by limiting the power of government and allowing people to govern themselves. In the case of the United States, that power is exercised indirectly, through elected representatives. The text is a fully integrated print-digital solution for students and teachers. Logical and standard fare. Then they are taught about the Founding of our country; moving on to the concepts of federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, and then to the institutions of our democracy. The book is consistent, though I think its framework of effective engagement could have been implemented more consistently. The examples used throughout the text are inclusive of a variety of races, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds. Its designed with the C3 Framework for social studies in mind. Traditional Democratic Theory 1. Clear organization led to clarity of content. read more. For instance, right off the bat, the critique of socialism seems to take the position that socialism is inherently and entirely distinct from our system, which isnt accurate. The framework of the text is internally consistent. V. Democracy (pp. Perhaps the next addition could add a supplement for each chapter or unit containing other voices which could be an effective shortcut for the instructor and of interest to our contemporary student base that is more diverse in many areas than 10-20 years ago. At the same time, I should point out that, at least in my view, the book is organized in an unconventional way. The text's consistency is quite strong in that it provides a comprehensible, conceptual framework and predictably organized units, chapters, and sections for the study of American government and politics. I would consider using this textbook in my American Government 101. As I have shared, I suggest fewer "Note" features within the already long paragraphs of content, and in fact a tightening as well of the length of the reading text. Chapter 8 on the Media is the best chapter I've seen on that subject. Unlike many other textbooks, it has a separate chapter on State and Local government which I think would be useful as I found it is helpful for students to understand the lower level governments in relation to the federal government when discussing American politics. In the book, the word Figure will appear to let the reader know to look for an image. However, many pages have blank gaps in the middle of chapters. Democracy in the United States is strong, but showing some cracks. Further, the writing is clear and concise. It is easily the equal of most other traditional textbooks on the market now. At the time this edition was written, the information in figure 3.17, presented data on the legality of same sex marriage by state in our country in an easily understood and precise manner. While no text does a perfect job at inclusiveness, I was impressed at the myriad examples of diverse cultural experiences incorporated throughout the text. While the examples could become outdated, the issues used have been relevant for a long period of time. The book contained appropriate section breaks so that students can jump directly to the relevant subsection. This is a slightly difficult area to comment on. Perhaps the next addition could include an index listing the section number of those various tools to make it easier for students to find. has on the daily lives of each and every American, motivating students to become active participants in all aspects of our political system, and helping overcome the While things may change quickly in American government, a lot stays the same. If anything, the text may be a bit on the long side. In other words, most of the world's countries are parliamentary, not presidential. Some chapters have one; others dont. The terminology is consistent and the textbook has a glossary at the end of each chapter; which is useful for students to identify terms and concepts. It is as accurate as any standard, mainstream textbook on American government. Similar to other Introduction to American Government textbooks this book covers the typical material and then some. The text is wide-ranging and inclusive to a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in its examples, particularly in the chapters on individual agency and action. One particular aspect related to the question of comprehensiveness was the authors decision to include a chapter on state and local government. Page_number_confidence 94.70 Pages 922 Pdf_module_version 0.0.20 Ppi 386 Related-external-id urn:isbn:0078786886 urn:oclc:435012046 urn:isbn:0078784050 urn:isbn:0078747627 urn:oclc . In particular, I would like to see some more/more direct Then again maybe that is just my bias because of what information was included and what was omitted. The text makes the content more relevant to students by providing opportunities to analyze and interpret charts, data, and graphs to better understand current examples and the applications of the material. 2. I will likely use this book to replace and supplement my graduate level course materials. US Government Textbook . 3. Great examples, engaging stories, and clever interactive readings; the textbook would be relevant to most community college students today. read more. For example, the text's section on "Engagement in a Democracy," outlines how individuals can become more civically engaged and showcases how ordinary people can effect change. As an instructor of pre-college ABE students working towards a GED, I am always looking for relevant, engaging materials to hook my students. The historical approaches I have used it in my classes and value its comprehensive nature and the ease of access and affordability it provides for my students. The various appendixes include the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Federalist 10 and 51 and a couple of other items. read more. The chapter on State and Local Government was a nice addition, but I am not sure how many instructors would be able to cover this material in addition to the other material required in an Introduction to American Government course. I also liked very much the "exercises" section allowing "assessment of learning." I like the fact that the authors attempt to present both sides in discussing problems and issues which contributes to an unbias pr Have questions? That said, many of what appear to be hotlinks in the text did not work when I tested them in December 2018. It will be interesting to see the update after Election Day. Other similar books dive too deeply for my purposes into the minutiae of government without providing concepts or making those concepts too academic sounding. As mentioned above, I found the text slightly denser than the average textbook for an Introduction to American Government class. I had the choice of paying for my own copy or finding a small grant from my college to cover the cost. read more. I really appreciate how they were able to consolidate what would easily be a 15 chapter textbook into 5! The book follows a relatively consistent framework for presentation throughout. According to Milestone Documents. The index and glossary are well formulated. The text then moves through its substantive topics in a coherent manner with useful transitions between topics. It also seems like there are only answers to select questions? All of the topics you would expect to be covered in an American government 101 course are here: origins of our republic, institutions, individual action and collective action. Given the nature of an American politics course, I don't frequently see my colleagues, nor do I, order concepts much differently than they are ordered in this book. Thorough coverage of the main thematic areas generally addressed by introductory American Government textbooks. And the conclusion of each chapter follows a common format including key terms definitions, summaries of each subchapter, about twenty multiple choice and essay questions, and a list of suggested readings for further study. The book was not culturally insensitive or offensive. The text was clear and devoid of any unnecessary jargon. Sold by Apex_media and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. The book certainly has all of the topics expected of an Introduction to American Government text. Most importantly, the emergence of Donald Trump simply alters how the institution of the presidency communicates and respects (or doesn't respect) past institutional norms. Chapter three necessitates a revision in order to re-create its relevance. The book was very culturally sensitive but more could be added throughout each chapter. As mentioned earlier, chapters are structured in reasonable ways. Grammar was excellent. However, the concepts are so strong here (thorough, well laid out) that an

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