This brief edition maintains the framework of the complete text, emphasizing the historical development of the American political system, who governs and to what end.

Revisions include "Interpreting Political News" in Chapter 4, which addresses the shift in the media's focus after 9/11; new discussion on partisanship in Congress and polarity among the parties in Chapter 7; a refreshed look at the Electoral College in light of the 2000 election; an in-depth examination of terrorism, government response to it, and its affects on civil liberties in Chapter 11; and a look at the government's ability to act in a bipartisan manner in times of crisis.

• A section at the beginning of Chapter 4, "Why Do We Distrust the Federal Government?" includes discussion of how the 9/11 attacks have revived American confidence in government.
• Also in Chapter 4, "The Impact of the Media," raises the question of how talk radio, the Rush Limbaugh show in particular, has mobilized American Republican voters over the past several years.
• The Sixth Edition includes Internet references at the end of each chapter, complete coverage of the 2000 presidential election, and September 11.