Canadian Democracy offers a comprehensive overview of Canadian politics and government, introducing readers to the elements and structures of government while also addressing the social and economic contexts of Canada's politics; institutions' and individuals' participation in the system; and current issues and controversies in the political arena.

DETAILED CONTENTS; LIST OF FIGURES; LIST OF TABLES; LIST OF BOXES; PREFACE; PART I: INTRODUCTION; 1. An Introduction to Political Life; PART II: THE SOCIETAL CONTEXT OF POLITICS; 2. Political Culture; 3. The Social and Economic Setting; 4. Regionalism and Canadian Politics; PART III: THE STRUCTURES OF GOVERNANCE; 5. The Constitution; 6. Rights and Freedoms; 7. Federalism; 8. The Machinery of Government; 9. The Administrative State (NEW); PART IV: PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS; 10. Parties and Elections; 11. Interest Groups; 12. The Media; PART V: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN CANADIAN POLITICS; 13. Language Politics; 14. Diversity and Multiculturalism; 15. Women in Politics (NEW); 16. Aboriginal Politics; 17. Canada and the World; GLOSSARY; NOTES; INDEX

"This is one of the most accessible, well-written texts on Canadian politics." --Holly Gibbs, University of Toronto Scarborough "This text is presented in easy-to-understand language that is appropriate to the topics presented and does well to introduce key terms that at first will be unfamiliar to students but does so in a way that avoids jargon or academic pretentiousness. This is a clear strength of the Brooks text." --Cheryl Collier, University of Windsor "Canadian Democracy very nicely connects an introduction to political science to the study of issues and institutions of Canadian politics. ... The writing is very lucid and successfully conveys complex ideas in comprehensible ways." --Neil Hibbert, University of Saskatchewan "I believe the text is very representative of the shift in Canadian political science over the last twenty years from a strict institutional interpretation to one that is more inclusive of societal/cultural and pluralist trends." --J.P. Lewis, University of Guelph "I much prefer this text to [competitors]. It is devoid of jargon and the content is presented in such a way that it should be readily understandable by students. The book is very well written." --Wolfgang Koerner, University of Ottawa

Current. Featuring the latest data, research, court rulings, and election results, as well as excellent coverage of topical issues such as gender, diversity and multiculturalism, media, and regionalism, this edition is an up-to-date treatment of the contemporary Canadian social and political climate. Accessible. Written with the undergraduate student in mind, this text's clear and friendly voice guides students through complex material in an easy-to-read manner. Authoritative. The author's years of teaching experience and instructor feedback over six successful editions inform the seventh edition of this trusted text. Reinforces basic concepts. Coverage of nuts-and-bolts structures of Canadian government (e.g., the constitution, federalism, parties and elections, governmental 'machinery') and key features of the political process (e.g., interest groups, the media, diversity, language politics) helps students understand the inner workings of Canadian government. Encourages critical thought. Invites students to be active participants in their own education by continually asking them to consider the state of democracy in Canada. Comparative approach. Helps students to determine the political role Canada plays in today's world and to grasp how outside influences shape Canadian politics. Institutional index. Coverage of institutional issues is integrated throughout the text and an index on the inside front cover provides a centralized reference for locating this important information. Robust ancillary suite. A full supplement package, including a test generator, an instructor's manual, PowerPoint slides, a student study guide, insightful podcasts, and a DVD for instructors featuring interviews with important political figures and theorists supports instructors and students alike while providing tools for in-depth engagement with the subject matter. Engaging box program. Themed boxes illustrate key concepts in action. Boxes are themed as follows: 'Media Spotlight' boxes focus on the media's role in the political process and issues and topics that have received special media attention. 'Politics in Focus' boxes feature analysis of current events, quotations from key figures, and coverage of historical and contemporary issues that highlight the role of politics in the real world. 'Governing Realities' boxes examine how legislation, policy, and governmental decisions impact the lives of Canadians.