Living Democracy gets students to participate in learning, in the classroom, and in change. The book’s young and energetic author team cares deeply about student learning and student engagement.  Lead author Dan Shea founded the Center for Political Participation and his experiences working with students in the classroom and in the center inspired him to team up with co-authors Joanne Connor Green (Texas Christian University) and Christopher E. Smith (Michigan State) to write an American Government text that truly inspires students and helps them experience the impact of government in their daily lives.  Everything about the book—the writing, design, examples, photos, activities, and every page of the text—is designed to get students to participate in their class and in American politics.