The Logic of American Politics - Softcover

Kernell, Samuel H.; Jacobson, Gary C.; Kousser, Thad

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1608712753 ISBN 13: 9781608712755

Publisher: CQ Press, 2011

Synopsis

The American people―and their government―are deeply at odds over how best to overcome the obstacles currently facing the country. After observing the strains of intense partisanship and divided government, your students are probably asking what logic, if any, can be found in politics. The new fifth edition of Logic reaffirms this best-seller’s place as the most accessible "smart" book on the market. Weaving together historical context, current politics, and analytic concepts, Logic builds students’ understanding of political institutions and practices as imperfect solutions to collective action problems.

Consistently praised for its engaging narrative, Logic hooks students with great storytelling while arming them with a "toolkit" of institutional design concepts―command, veto, agenda control, voting rules, delegation.

Walking students through examples of how each concept works, the authors also highlight passages that apply collective action themes so students cannot miss key points.

Up-to-date in its coverage of such hot-button issues as health care and financial reform, the midterm elections, and racial profiling and immigration, this fifth edition also pays special attention to political polarization. Throughout the book, the authors consistently return to the country’s divide―among constituents and in government―as they guide students through the fundamentals of American politics.

More than 100 tables, figures, and maps offer visual context to an array of political data and analysis, while over 230 carefully chosen photographs enhance the book’s examples and insights. Bolded key terms, a glossary, annotated reading lists, review questions, and a companion website help students read, think, and study.

About this title

About the Author:

Samuel Kernell is professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego, where he has taught since 1977. Previously, he taught at the University of Mississippi and the University of Minnesota. Kernell’s research interests focus on the presidency and American political history. His previous books include Going Public: New Strategies of Presidential Leadership, 3rd edition; an edited collection of essays, James Madison: The Theory and Practice of Republican Government; and, with Gary C. Jacobson, The Logic of American Politics, 7th edition, and Strategy and Choice in Congressional Elections, 2nd edition. Kernell’s most recent book, Party Ballots, Reform and the Transformation of American Politics, (2015, with Erik Engstrom), won the APSA′s David Greenstone Award for the best book in politics and history.

About this edition

• Publisher: CQ Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1608712753
• ISBN 13: 9781608712755
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 840