For example I like to group Congress and Interest Groups together, the Presidency and Political Parties, and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties with the Judiciary. read more. But the chapter in Foreign Affairs (Chap 17) is thin and needs more meat. The chapter on Congress should also be updated and with data from 2016 and 2018. The interface is excellent. TEXT: United States Government: Democracy in Action US GOVERNMENT COURSE CALENDAR 2014 - 2015: Unit 1: Foundations of American Government August 19 - September 10 In this Unit: Exploring the Big Ideas Resources & Activities Chapter 1: People and Government. It focuses on the importance of community engagement and social responsibility among middle and high school studentscore themes in the Massachusetts 8th Grade History & Social Science Curriculum Framework. This is a major issue with political science texts as the students are very focused on the present time, so the texts need to be very current. The book is consistent, though I think its framework of effective engagement could have been implemented more consistently. Some of this material is bound to become somewhat out-of-date in the relatively near term, but it appears to authors are releasing new editions of the book with updated information quite frequently, so this is less of concern to me than with other texts on this subject. Accuracy is excellent, with essentially an unbiased and error-free content (and i do judge rather stringently the accuracy of historical content given I teach history as well). Focus on big ideas with an accessible student text built around essential questions and inquiry. The links that I checked were still functioning. Well, longevity is a tough matter for this kind of text. Reviewed by Robert Asaadi, Instructor, Portland State University on 3/11/20, updated 4/16/20, Thorough coverage of the main thematic areas generally addressed by introductory American Government textbooks.
Democracy in America: How Is It Doing? - The New York Times It offers an excellent collection of concepts and ideas useful to political science students. Print Edition ISBNs: Student (2018): 978--07-668113-6 ; Teacher (2018): 978--07-668108-2 ; Contact the company representative for ISBN numbers for online/eText editions. I am skeptical that instructors can get through 17 chapters in a normal semester, but the material is nice to have if desired. The structure is on par with leading texts in this area. I do miss a chapter on political culture, but even without it, the text is good. This progression is evident, for example, in the learning objectives that begin each section of the text. The chapter on State and Local Government was a nice addition, but I am not sure how many instructors would be able to cover this material in addition to the other material required in an Introduction to American Government course. The book seemed reasonable "inclusive", although I suppose this is pretty subjective and I'll admit to not usually judging texts on this ground. Some of the current graphs and charts will need to be updated.The links to learning sections make it possible to quickly find current data and information. The book does a nice job of acknowledging racial injustice at the time of the American founding, including the Three-Fifths Compromise, as well as the importance of the Civil War Amendments in beginning to correct those wrongs (p. 63). I was able to move freely throughout the textbook with ease, experiencing no navigational difficulties and without finding any display features that were distracting or confusing.
United States Government: A Textbook | Mr. E's Codex By the standards of Introduction to American Politics textbooks, this is a comprehensive offering. The coverage and scope is presented in a way that is well organized, concise, and engaging. It is pitched at an appropriate level for undergraduates in an introductory class, and is in no way patronizing as some of these books can often be. Reviewed by Matthew Jacobsmeier, Associate Professor, West Virginia University on 4/15/20, The book covers all the main topics that good introductory American Government textbooks typically cover and also includes chapters on topics that are not covered in detail in many textbooks. So things will change and go out-of-date. Title: This textbook does a nice job covering women Chapter 7, especially in regards to elections. A chapter on State and Local government is also included as a useful addition. I did not find any grammatical errors in the text. In some cases, students are somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of information presented in the text, but I have found that guiding their attention to certain key sections can help to avoid this obstacle. The chapters in the Kurtz et al e-book covers all relevant chapters of American Government and even offers chapters on Foreign policy, Domestic policy and State and Local government. If you click on the Media icon subsets you can go straight to that subsection of the Media chapter. However, the chapter lengths seem fairly typical for this type of text. Although this book is culturally sensitive, I challenge the authors to do more.
PDF OUR AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - GovInfo The Art Program, which "is designed to enhance students understanding of concepts through clear and effective statistical graphs, tables, and photographs", is excellent. Here again I suggest that there are too many long blocks of text to read made even more so by the frequent "Note" sections expecting students to further read about key court cases. The textbook is very comprehensive with more than 650 pages of content plus appendices with relevant documents. 9. The framework/layout of each chapter is consistent which is an aid to both the instructor and the reader. Maybe not from top to bottom, but often enough that it is a concern. The book covers all of the basic components of American government. Each requires students to open up these extended opportunities for more information but in my opinion slides into information "overload" dimensions. In a couple instances such as above, they simply need to be done. An Introduction to each unit with the rationale and goals would be helpful. For example, if an instructor wanted to cover formal institutions prior to individual agency and action or mediating institutions, it would not be difficult to do so using this text. I see no reason why that would be different with this text. For many such students, the clarity in organization will further help clear any obstacles in understanding the political system. It covers all of the major topics an introductory text should cover and a few others as well. On the other hand, if students were to use their phones to try to read the book I could see that being a problem. The required terminology for the curriculum is present with context in every chapter. It is a good alternative to expensive textbooks. Yes, the topics are presented in logical and clear fashion. Within each unit, the chapters are structured to provide connections between topics that build upon the prior chapter's learning objectives . The content is very up-to-date and includes/examines relevant current issues. The content delivers plenty of perspective for students to learn about American government. The Bill of Rights. Within each of the chapters, there are sections which provide clear learning objectives, summaries, key terms, and opportunities for assessment with multiple-choice and short-response review questions. Issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, and class are addressed in appropriate ways. Digital Student Learning Center:Includes the full student edition and inquiry journal, plus engaging resources that provide context and bring the narrative to life such as maps, timelines, infographics, primary sources, images, and videos. The organization and structure are good. The materials contain frequent references to variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Concepts well explained and presented.
PDF Us Government Democracy In Action Answers [PDF] As I have shared, I suggest fewer "Note" features within the already long paragraphs of content, and in fact a tightening as well of the length of the reading text. Though as I said before, more recent in time statistics, graphs, charts, and pictures would help, the use of the visuals organizationally as far as charts, maps, and graphs is very good. There is a very broad selection of examples relating to variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds--the Civil Rights chapter is a good example. There is a standard form to intro Am Gov textbooks, and this one is pretty typical. The book certainly has all of the topics expected of an Introduction to American Government text. Examples depicting the new terms are plentiful. Democracy and government, the U.S. political system, elected officials and governmental institutions Americans are generally positive about the way democracy is working in the United States. It means "rule by the people" or "sovereignty of the people". I read the "theme" as being about civic engagement, and the theme appears consistently throughout the text. Prior to reviewing this text, I was not very familiar with open source textbooks. Traditional Democratic Theory 1. The information in several chapters, like the chapters pertaining to the institutions, provide for an in-depth analysis. Us Government Democracy In Action Teachers 2000. However, the text provides a strong historical perspective on the issues that it addresses, so much of the texts discussion will continue to be relevant and applicable even with the passage of time. The writers also relied on tons of well-referenced outside sources that can easily be reorganized and incorporated into additional units.
United States Government Textbook - Street Law, Inc. For example, the chapter on political parties resembles a history text. There are questions and glossary words at the end of each chapter to help clarify issues. However, this text would need to be updated after all national elections (mid-term and presidential). VII of the Constitution. There are long stretches of well written but long winded paragraphs. There certainly is enough relevant and timely material to assign a chapter per week for the one semester Intro type class, especially when combined with the supplementary material noted above. The text was easily navigable and the Index, search function, and drop-down menus in the Table of Contents functioned seamlessly. 9780078747625 United States Government Democracy in. Only problem I saw: there are 2 versions of this book in OpenStax. These definitions are located at the end of the chapter, which is not entirely user-friendly but understandable given the format of the text. Overall, all expected topics, and then some, are covered, hence the text is certainly comprehensive enough by any measure of expectation in an introduction to American government text. I sometimes worry that textbooks I use are hard for students to understand. Also, each chapter sticks to an identical structure. The book was very culturally sensitive but more could be added throughout each chapter. I didn't read every line, but the broad sections I read contained no technical writing errors that I observed. But it is an impressive work overall. For example, when discussing the Boston Tea Party, the authors claim, "Today, many who do not agree with the positions of the Democratic of Republican Party have organized themselves into an oppositional group dubbed the Tea Party (41)." I found my iPad did not always work well with it. Formal Institutions include Congress, The Courts, and The Presidency). Thought/theory/philosophy explained while discussing history of government. Third, Political Parties should precede elections in the book. Chapter tests include traditional and document-based question tests. The authors and reviewers sought to strike a balance between confronting the negative and harmful elements of American government, history, and current events, while demonstrating progress in overcoming them. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 election, and key aspects of the first-term of the Biden administration are usefully addressed in the text. The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. Reviewed by Andrew Thangasamy, Associate Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 8/28/20, In terms of content, the textbook has all the chapters one normally expects from an introductory American Government textbook. This topic will require frequent updating. Overall it is a bit smaller in word count than a traditional hard copy textbook and some of the chapters are smaller than I would like. Additionally, if I made any additions to the text, you may not have them. Teachers Edition:The print Teacher Wraparound Edition is built on the principles of Understanding by Design. I am using this text in lieu of my regular purchased text for my intro class and I am excited for the possibilities available given the interesting and useful ways the authors have organized the material in the book - while ensuring all the bread & butter chapters for an intro American Gov text are here. Welcome to our textbook for the year.
The Constitution of the United States | National Archives The Links to Learning and Insider Perspective features in the text help to enrich the material without breaking the overall flow of discussion. Recent elections and the up to date makeup of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are provided, along with the most recent as possible statistical aspects of our bureaucracy. As an instructor, I would readily welcome the adoption of this text and would recommend the assignment of the text as required reading for courses that I regularly teach, including PLS 135: American National Politics, PLS 211: U.S. Government I, and PLS 212: U.S. Government II. read more, The chapters in the Kurtz et al e-book covers all relevant chapters of American Government and even offers chapters on Foreign policy, Domestic policy and State and Local government. The text follows the standard format for American Government texts. My own opinion is that the biggest shortcoming is a lack of current events coverage. I did not see anything that I would say is not accurate, as much as a couple items that need to be updated, but that is discussed below. I do not see the natural connection that ties those topics together. Each chapter culminates in a Taking Action activity designed to translate learning into informed action. Donald A. Ritchie, Richard C. Remy. read more.
United States Government Manual - Getting Started The text does not contain any grammatical errors. The book also does not always allow the reader to skip pages or go straight to a section to read. The content is mostly up to date. The textbook provides a clear, concise, and easily navigable resource of comprehensive information on the topic of U.S. government. Would grade this as 4.5 if possible. I am impressed with the comprehensiveness of the textbook.
United States Government: Our Democracy Textbook read more. Log in to your program from these platforms: McGraw Hill Science Interactives (612), .bs3-nav-link-support a{
The cosmetics of the book is well done. The sources cited, within the sections of each of the various chapters, are from reputable, recognizable experts in their fields of study. . Key words repeated throughout so students would be exposed them at various points in the text. This book uses clear language and of-the-moment context that brings the idea of government to life. United States Government: Our Democracy allows students to master an understanding of the structure, function, and powers of government at all levels. read more. The "Key terms" sections at the end of each chapter will be helpful to students who aren't sure whether they understand a particular term. Do you need help? 9780785438724 United States Government Teachers Edition. The book clearly defines all the terms and theories and in plain language for non-majors to understand. The textbook follows a traditional American government textbook format, starting with the Constitution and covering, Federalism, Civil Liberties and Rights, Interest Groups, Political Parties, and the three branches of government. These add up quickly and at times break up material where paragraphs or explanations would benefit from remaining connected. As one would expect from a 771-page book, at times there are minor issues. I would have preferred more of this, but the book was adequate in this regard. The next time I teach American politics, I will definitely use this text. Yet a majority also says that the "fundamental design and structure" of U.S. government is in need of "significant changes" to make it work today.
US Government for Kids: Democracy - Ducksters This is a welcome inclusion: Although most Americans interact far more with their state and local governments than the national government on a daily basis, historically American government courses have de-emphasized sub-national politics. Technical terminology is explained in a precise and clear manner. In other words, most of the world's countries are parliamentary, not presidential. There is a vibrant discussion in modern research on the balance between socialization and genetics in public opinion research that should be included. Usually the image it only an inch or two from the Figure citation, but not always clear. First President of the United States. Of course since a key feature of this book is to present a considerable amount of material that combines theory and application and stimulate critical thinking, covering the volume of materials given the way it is divided may present a challenge over one semester. Overall I find the writing to be at an appropriate level for first-year college students. Also in terms of comprehensiveness, there are 17 chapters in total, which at one chapter per week is at least three or four more chapters than most instructors will be able to get through in a semester. democracy: [noun] a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections. A second point, is figure 3.17 regarding marriage equality. I am seriously considering using this text the next time I teach introduction to American Government. There is much more in this book than I could use in a term, so I would select portions of the chapters. I believe the entire flow of the text and ease of read would increase by ditching this method of citation and simply using end notes or foot notes. This may just be me, but I take issue with this statement from page 9, "Democracy and capitalism do not have to go hand in hand." I do think you have to have a free market to have democracy, although it might be a regulated market. V. Democracy (pp. read more. It is as accurate as any standard, mainstream textbook on American government. A downside of the online version is that the section, source and other links do not open in a new page, at least for me, which causes the reader to then backtrack with the effect that after a few instances some readers may not bother. The textbook provides for a comprehensive overview of American Government.