List of Figures List of Tables Preface Part I: Introduction 1. American Exceptionalism Part II: Ideas and Behavior 2. Political Culture 3. Public Opinion 4. Religion and Politics Part III: Structures of Government 5. The Constitution 6. Congress 7. The Presidency 8. The Judiciary Part IV: Participation and Power 9. Civic Participation in America 10. Racial Inequality 11. The Politics of Inequality 12. Parties and Elections 13. Who Rules America? Part V: Foreign Policy 13. America in the World Appendices: 1. The Declaration of Independence 2. Federalist Papers 10 and 51 3. The Constitution of the United States 4. Presidents of the United States Index

By focusing on what makes the U.S. system unique, the authors have written a truly original American politics text. Theirs is not a formulaic introductory volume, but rather one with a thematic focus that carries throughout the book and keeps students continually engaged. Nicely done!

By focusing on what makes the U.S. system unique, the authors have written a truly original American politics text. Theirs is not a formulaic introductory volume, but rather one with a thematic focus that carries throughout the book and keeps students continually engaged. Nicely done! -- Mark J. Rozell, George Mason University I applaud the authors' emphasis on the role of religion in American politics. From the civil rights movement to the Moral Majority, from those opposed to the Vietnam War to those opposed to legalizing same-sex marriage, religious beliefs have been an important driving force in bringing issues into the government's sphere of responsibility. It is an important and often overlooked dimension of American politics. -- Cary R. Covington, University of Iowa Understanding American Politics is the most remarkable introduction to American politics I have read. With a genuinely Tocquevillian flare, this text artfully melds a clear-eyed and balanced analysis of the normative, behavioral, and structural forces at work in America's unique brand of political life. -- Matthew S. Holland, President, Utah Valley University For students not based in the US, this book's 'lightly comparative' approach makes it very accessible. Arguing the case for 'American exceptionalism' gives it a theme around which students can formulate their own views on various dimensions of US politics. -- Donley T. Studlar, University of Strathclyde