Analyzing American Democracy

Jon R. Bond received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and is currently a professor of political science at Texas A&M University. His research analyzes the policy making process and the operation of democracy in American politics. Specifically, he is interested in the interactions of American political institutions, especially Congress and the presidency, and how electoral motivations affect democratic responsiveness in American political institutions. He has published more than three-dozen chapters and journal articles on presidential-congressional relations, congressional elections, and public policy. He served as president of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society from 2006–2008, and president of the Southern Political Science Association, the oldest regional political science association from 2006–2007.Kevin B. Smith received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is currently a professor of political science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he is also co-director of the UNL Political Science Physiology Lab. His primary research focus is on the biology of political attitudes and behavior. Smith is the recipient of his university’s College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Research and Creative Achievement Award.Lydia M. Andrade received her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and is Interim Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences as well as a professor of political science at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. She is an award-winning teacher and author of a variety of teaching and learning guides including supplements for this text. She participates regularly in summer workshops with The College Board and is known for her work on the presidency, foreign policy, women and politics, and teacher diversity.

Praise for Analyzing American DemocracyTeaching a broad survey course that covers the breadth of American politics can be a daunting task for both instructors and students. This text organizes what could be an overwhelming amount of information into a logical structure coupled with a straightforward, journalistic writing style that incorporates cutting-edge political science research with key political concepts. The result is a textbook that is truly an introduction to political science, not just civics or popular politics.--Amanda Friesen, Indiana University–Purdue University at IndianapolisAnalyzing American Democracy is one of the best American government books on the market. Not only is it comprehensive in covering material across the vast spectrum of American politics, but it also has an interesting point of view: the idea that our expectations of government and its performance may not be entirely realistic. The authors have written a book that is accessible to undergraduate students, yet provides sufficient detail for professors to examine the nuances of American politics today.--Richard W. Waterman, University of Kentucky

• CHAPTER 1 The Basics of Democracy PART I: THE CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK CHAPTER 2 The American Constitution CHAPTER 3 Federalism CHAPTER 4 Civil Liberties CHAPTER 5 Civil Rights PART II: CONNECTING CITIZENS TO GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 6 Interest Groups CHAPTER 7 Political Parties CHAPTER 8 The Mass Media and Politics CHAPTER 9 Public Opinion and Political Socialization CHAPTER 10 Elections CHAPTER 11 Political Participation and Voting Behavior PART III: OFFICIAL DECISION MAKING CHAPTER 12 Congress CHAPTER 13 The Presidency CHAPTER 14 The Bureaucracy CHAPTER 15 The Federal Judiciary