American Government and Politics Today, 2011-2012, The Essentials

by Barbara A. Bardes, Steffen W. Schmidt, Mack C. Shelley II

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY: THE ESSENTIALS 2011-2012 EDITION inspires students to join the exciting process of being active, informed citizens. Bardes, Shelley, and Schmidt provide an unbiased and concisely organized overview of this essential subject, updated with complete Election 2010 coverage and the latest on the economic downturn and recovery policy. The text's fundamental theme continues to be the importance of participating in active citizenship, emphasizing continual critical thinking about political issues, and encouraging students to become involved in the political process. With a keen understanding of the needs and interests of today's students, the authors incorporate abundant current examples, including increased coverage of the impact of the Internet and other media, to stimulate learning and excitement. The text is redesigned for even greater reader appeal.

Genres: Politics, Textbooks, Political Science, Government, School, Nonfiction

541 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Nex Juice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this book as part of my American Federal Government class for the Fall 2020 semester. I actually learned some interesting information about the different powers of the different branches of the government. I had a good basic understanding, but didn't feel like this class was a complete waste. I've had an increasing interest in government as I've gotten older.

[Shun · Rating 5 out of 5]

textbook used in an undergrad class, but it's well-written!

[Hatim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. While thorough, it covers about the same information as a thorough AP Gov class will. I like the pictures, but any college level themes are more "repeated phrases" than college level analysis.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

This educational government book has too many things going on in each page and I found it very hard to focus. My eye kept wanting to travel all over the pages and I had to really really concentrate to take in what I was reading. That said, I don't know that this book actually taught me anything new or misunderstood, in fact, I find the fact that our political parties flip-flopping over the last century in who and what they represent disconcerting to say the very least, and am just now realizing how very uninformed we, the people are when we go to our polls. If I didn't have a real fear of fascism I would probably refrain from voting all together, and well, isn't that part of the problem, fear.

[Melissa Brogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, and very modern/updated. Chapter on Constitution was sort of ridiculously long, even if that is understandable.

[Nick]

Hey