Why They Call it Politics

by Robert Sherrill

Lively and informal, this provocative, sometimes irreverent, often witty, and always informative book covers the fundamental institutions and topics of American government. Well documented and containing many illustrative examples, the text offers a critical and entertaining survey of American government. It conveys a sense of the corruptibility of people and institutions and the reasons for the concentration of wealth in the hands of few. This book is appropriate as the main text or as one of several for the introductory American government course.

Genres: Politics

579 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Jenna Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracing recent history, this book catalogues the corruption and scandals that occur in the three branches of government. All American voters should read this book and take it into account when they're making their decisions on who to vote for in upcoming elections. Although it was written in 2000, I still think it is valuable. However, I would like to see a contemporary book on similar topics emerge to account for the changes in American policy post-9/11, addressing increasing technology, reliance on other countries, and the growing threat of terrorism across the globe.

[Rod · Rating 1 out of 5]

We used this book for my Political Science 101 class. It was not an effective text book for the class, and I wouldn't want to read it on my own either. All the author does is complain.