We the People: A Concise Introduction To American Politics

by Thomas E. Patterson

"There are a lot of bad republicans; there are no good democrats."—Ann Coulter

In today’s climate of hyper-partisanship, blurred lines between political news, analysis, and entertainment, and outrageous comments from the chattering classes, who better than Tom Patterson to provide students with the tools and context to make informed judgments and become skilled political thinkers? Patterson’s We the People has long been a best seller for American government courses due to its insightful, readable, and balanced portrayal of the American political system. The 9th edition continues this tradition of excellence while also introducing a new emphasis on political thinking at a time when the partisan divide seemingly could not be wider and unbiased political information is often drowned out by other sources.

With expertise in the areas of public opinion, the media, and elections among other areas, Tom Patterson is a voice you can trust to help develop your students critical thinking skills when it comes to politics and political science. As Patterson notes, “Political thinking takes place within the context of a person’s political interests and values, which can lead equally thoughtful individuals to reach opposing opinions on the same issue.” If you are looking for learning materials to help ensure your students leave your course among those “thoughtful individuals” that will carry the debate forward in measured and informed ways, We the People is the right choice for you.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction, Political Science, School, Textbooks, American History

629 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Ietrio]

This is a very important book. And you should all read it. In it you will find out why Patterson's parasitic class IS the people, and why you should work, because they people need their rights, and their comfortable wages. And you should produce more, so you can be taxed more, because those lazy college kids are not paying enough with their student loans so the administration can't build a new hall, where Patterson will get a larger office. And who would hire his many nephews and nieces? You don't expect THEM to work back breaking jobs. Those are for you, not for them, the people.

[Annemarie Hill]

For a political science textbook, I found this text too be very comprehensive, thought provoking, and relevant in the way it tied together relevant political happenings to the systems is explained, and would absolutely recommend reading it to anyone who has had assigned or suggested in a class, or who is curious about the subject matter. I read the 14th edition.

[Julia]

I mean, as far as textbooks go, this one was far better than the original Political Science one. I had high hopes for the class, but now I'm very glad to be done!

[Timothy Fewless]

Typical text book

[Caitlyn]

my political science textbook.

[turah]

IM FREEEEEE WORST EXPERIENCE (1.5 MONTHS) OF MY LIFEEEE

[Thomas Schulte]

Interesting, the last time I was interested in college textbook overview of American gov't was in the Dubya years. I took a community college course on the subject. This textbook was specifically update to and for the same period. I came away with a deeper realization that the cult of individuality is a constant point of friction with the republican form of government we have as realized under the Consitution.

[Faith Kilgore]

I don't have the exact read start and finish dates on many books I have read this year. The dates are approximated, as I have been in & out of the hospital, and on bed rest, and read 2-5 books a day depending on the book & length and my ability to focus. All dates are approximated, by month.

[Jenna Spencer]

This was originally a college textbook. We never ended up using, but I read the whole thing cover to cover. You will love it, expectantly if you did not grow up in the states taking American history. This book will help you play catch up while keeping you interested.

[Johannah]

It's pretty dry. Engaging at times, but the style is not particularly inspirational. Thorough, concise, well rounded. Defines even basic political items without patronizing the reader. The statistics presented are occasionally interesting.

Read for my Intro to Political Science class.

[Megan]

I read the third edition.

[Storm]

I had to read this for my American Government class but I thought it was very interesting. Much more entertaining than most textbooks.

[Jenny]

Very informative. Gives a great overview of American politics.

[Theresa]

We The People: A Concise Introduction To American Politics
Patterson, Thomas E.
3
required text for college courses

[Ke]

A pretty concise and thorough textbook. It also helped that my professor for this class was pretty cool.

[Caleb]

Government wasn't my thing going into this course and it still isn't, but I did learn a lot.

[Chris]

This textbook makes American Politics and government easily understood. I could actually enjoy government for once.