American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change

by Calvin C. Jillson

Take stock of the political dynamics in the United States with this concise but thorough introduction to how the system works, how it got that way, who participates, and what the possibilities are for further change. Cal Jillson’s engaging text provides not only a sense of relevance, but also a sense of how politics works and how institutions, systems, avenues of participation, and policies have developed over time to produce today’s political environment in the United States. Going one step further, Jillson identifies the critical question of how American democracy might work better, focusing in every chapter on reform and likely next moves in the continually unfolding story of American politics, one in which your students will play a crucial part. The Fifth Edition has been carefully updated to bring the coverage and scholarship fully up-to-date. Highlights The companion website at offers students useful study tools to master the book’s lessons, including diagnostic practice quizzes, chapter summaries, flashcards, weblinks, and participation activities. In addition, instructors have access to password-protected class prep and testing resources.

Genres: Political Science

584 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Also credited as Cal Jillson .

Reviews

[Routledge Economics · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enlightening book which I needed to read as my knowledge of American political processes in the wake of the interminable election campaign was wanting. Much of the whole system makes better sense now, although as in the UK, there is a need for proportional representation to break the dual party system. The inordinate power of the Supreme Court and open political bias of its appointmnent process is also staggering.

There is a fascinating table part of the way through the book where the various presidents are ranked and just three - Roosevelt, Lincoln
and Washington - are seen as indisputably great. the other alien aspect of US politics to most sane observers is the way the power of money has been allowed to get out of hand.

[Lindsey Andrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book on the government we call our own. Very pertinent, to the point, no fluff. I had to highlight the whole book, 'cause it was all important.

[Andreas Haraldstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a university course about American political culture. I thourougly enjoyed it. It is clearly written, accessible and informative, covering many aspects of US politics, political culture and history. Especially valuable was their in-depth explanation of the American voting system and the workings and judicial history of the Supreme Court. An aspect i found really fascinating was the debate about the role of the judiciary, as in the US, they often de facto determine law, a system that is quite foreign for most Europeans.

The book was a great way to gain a deeper insight into the American system and I would recommend it for people that aspire to learn more about the US.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to how the American Government is organised, this book wisely includes chapters slightly outside the remit of a nuts and bolts book, with excellent discussions of human rights, America's place in the world and other topics. The premise of the text is to begin with the founding fathers and show how the constitution and electoral system developed from there. As a Brit, I was surprised by how little the system has changed down the years, founded as it was on the principles of Rome and Greece as well as Lockean notions of the separation of powers. The constitution is revered as a religious document.

The general mistrust that Americans have for government of any form is highlighted although this is exposed as a rather silly standpoint given the enormous progress of the New Deal era and conservatives' own worshipping of property rights. The author is always at pains to point out that equality in the early days was all very well but didn't extend to blacks and women. Three chapters that could have been crushingly boring - on the bureaucracy, judiciary and economics - are handled with a light touch and despite the usual textbook striving for balance, George W. Bush still comes across as a total nutter. An essential primer for those who want to know their Senate from their House of Representatives.