Understanding American Government

Written by authors who have won numerous awards for their research and writing on women and minority issues in American Government, this textbook offers an inclusive view of participants in the American political system. From this book, you will not only learn how government works but you will move on to the more controversial aspects of government, being exposed to actual people and experiences of government in action through the You Are There feature that opens each chapter, the suggested film lists at the ends the chapters, and the online exercises that support and enhance concepts found throughout the text.

Susan Welch received her AB and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is currently Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Professor of Political Science at The Pennsylvania State University. Her teaching and research areas include legislatures, urban politics, and women and minorities in politics. She publishes widely on issues of race, gender, and urban politics.

John Gruhl, Professor of Political Science, received his AB from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and his PhD from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Since joining the University of Nebraska faculty in 1976, he has taught and done research in the areas of judicial process, criminal justice, and civil rights and liberties. He holds campus- and university-wide distinguished teaching awards for excellence in undergraduate teaching and became a charter member of the university's Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

John Comer is Professor of Political Science at the University of Nebraska. He received his AB in political science from Miami University in 1965 and his PhD from The Ohio State University in 1971. His teaching and research focuses on interest groups, public opinion, voting behavior, and political parties.

Susan M. Rigdon received AB and PhD degrees in political science from the University of Illinois in 1966 and 1971, respectively. While focusing her teaching on comparative politics and international relations, she has also taught American government courses at several universities in the United States and China. Her research interests include culture and politics, security policy, and poverty and development. She is a Research Associate in Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.