Dennis W. Johnson is professor emeritus and former associate dean at the Graduate School of Political Management, George Washington University, Washington, DC. He has specialized in the history and impact of American domestic public policy as well as the professionalization of American campaigns and elections. He is the author of seven books (several in second and third editions) and the editor of four other volumes. He lives in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado with his wife Pat and their dog Snickers. He posts regular updates on America's rankings at www.werenumberone@bsky.social.

• Introduction 1. America by the Numbers 2. Freedom and Democracy 3. Income, Wealth, Poverty, and Equality 4. Supporting the Family and Reproductive Rights 5. Obesity, Hunger, and Addiction 6. The Social Safety Net 7. Education 8. Health Care 9. Crime, Punishment, and Firearms 10. Budgets, Taxing, Spending, and Priorities 11. Combatting Climate Change 12. Infrastructure, Technology, and Innovation 13. Are We Up to the Challenge?

Dennis W. Johnson is professor emeritus and former associate dean at the Graduate School of Political Management, George Washington University, Washington, DC. He has specialized in the history and impact of American domestic public policy as well as the professionalization of American campaigns and elections. He is the author of seven books (several in second and third editions) and the editor of four other volumes. He lives in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado with his wife Pat and their dog Snickers. He posts regular updates on America's rankings at www.werenumberone@bsky.social.

• Introduction 1. America by the Numbers 2. Freedom and Democracy 3. Income, Wealth, Poverty, and Equality 4. Supporting the Family and Reproductive Rights 5. Obesity, Hunger, and Addiction 6. The Social Safety Net 7. Education 8. Health Care 9. Crime, Punishment, and Firearms 10. Budgets, Taxing, Spending, and Priorities 11. Combatting Climate Change 12. Infrastructure, Technology, and Innovation 13. Are We Up to the Challenge?

Dennis W. Johnson is professor emeritus and former associate dean at the Graduate School of Political Management, George Washington University, Washington, DC. He has specialized in the history and impact of American domestic public policy as well as the professionalization of American campaigns and elections. He is the author of seven books (several in second and third editions) and the editor of four other volumes. He lives in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado with his wife Pat and their dog Snickers. He posts regular updates on America's rankings at www.werenumberone@bsky.social.

• Introduction 1. America by the Numbers 2. Freedom and Democracy 3. Income, Wealth, Poverty, and Equality 4. Supporting the Family and Reproductive Rights 5. Obesity, Hunger, and Addiction 6. The Social Safety Net 7. Education 8. Health Care 9. Crime, Punishment, and Firearms 10. Budgets, Taxing, Spending, and Priorities 11. Combatting Climate Change 12. Infrastructure, Technology, and Innovation 13. Are We Up to the Challenge?