Issues in American Political Life

<p>A core text for undergraduate courses in American Public Policy or supplemental reading in such courses as Introduction to American Government or Politics American Public Policy Analysis Introduction to Political Science. A substantive alternative to typical issues texts-which cover too many issues too superficially-this intriguing and comprehensive text offers a more in-depth and coherent approach to contemporary policy problems and solutions. It provides a conceptual framework in which students can become comfortable actually doing policy analysis and in learning skills beyond reading about certain political issues. Thematically organized it looks at nine specific issues grouped into three broad categories that hold an enduring importance in American political life-money and politics violence and politics and biology and politics. All nine chapters and their respective topics (campaigns corruption welfare crime terrorism arms control the environment biomedical issues and biotechnology) have a strong conceptual base with current political dimensions and policy concerns woven throughout. Students not only learn the context status and prospects of issues confronting the U.S. government but also see how these issues now cross our domestic borders into a global realm.</p>