This concise yet comprehensive book provides a lively, future-oriented narrative introduction to American government and politics. "We the People" presents material with a currency and relevancy that captures the vivid world of real-life politics. In addition, the text challenges readers to think critically; by giving contextual understanding of major concepts and issues, it encourages them to think about the implications for society and themselves. "We the People" delves deeper into the basics than most brief books, and each of the 17 chapters (including 3 policy chapters) concludes with a "New York Times" reading selection and an extensive bibliography. The fifth edition is accompanied by an Online Learning Center that is unsurpassed in American Government courses, as well as free access to PowerWeb (see "Supplements" for details)!

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

Product Description: This text explores the processes and practices of US government as well as the ideas on which the system was founded. Each of the 29 chapters highlights three or four key ideas and contains two or three comparative boxes.

Focusing on the controversial 2000 presidential election, the author of Out of Order explores the reasons behind declining voter turnout, discussing the influence of political parties, the media, and the candidates on voters and offering a concrete, results-based program for reversing disturbing trends in voter habits. Reprint. 10,000 first printing.

(view table of contents)

Focusing on the controversial 2000 presidential election, the author of Out of Order explores the reasons behind declining voter turnout, discussing the influence of political parties, the media, and the candidates on voters and offering a concrete, results-based program for reversing disturbing trends in voter habits. 17,500 first printing.

Product Description: Heavily revised in the sixth edition, this descriptive, comprehensive text by Tom Patterson is known for its engaging narrative, future oriented approach, and its ability to tie together the latest scholarship with real-life politics...read more

(view table of contents)

(view table of contents)

(view table of contents)

A political science professor at Syracuse University examines how Americans elect presidents, analyzes how the growth of the media has undermined that process, and proposes changes in the campaign procedure to encourage stronger candidates

A political science professor at Syracuse University examines how Americans elect presidents, analyzes how the growth of the media has undermined that process, and proposes changes in the campaign procedure to encourage stronger candidates. 15,000 first printing.