Understanding American Politics and Government, 2010 Update, Brief Edition Coleman, John J.; Goldstein, Kenneth M. and Howell, William G.

Updated to reflect the current political landscape, this book is emphasizes and explores causal questions in American Politics. It helps readers apply critical thinking tools–tools pulled directly from a social scientist’s playbook–to start answering those questions, see past today’s headlines, and understand why things really happen in our political world.

Containing chapters on political culture, media and politics, and interest groups, readers will come away from this book able to think and view their world critically. Readers will come away from the book not only excited by political questions, but with the means to explore possible answers as more thoughtful and empowered citizen

Updated to include coverage of the events of the first year of the Obama Administration, this best-selling new textbook brings the real world of politics into the classroom and prepares students to be strong critical thinkers and more effective citizens.

Utilizing an emphasis on causal questions and an integrated, comparative perspective, this book equips students with the critical thinking tools used by political scientists to see through the simplified or inaccurate claims made everyday in newspapers, online, and on television. It enables students to gain a deeper understanding of American politics and begin to answer for themselves some of the most interesting and provocative questions about cause and effect in our society.

In a clear, engaging style that has been enthusiastically praised by instructors and students alike, the authors establish for students a substantive foundation on the fundamentals of our government while enlisting them in an effort to solve the lively, fascinating puzzles political scientists continue to confront every day.