American politics and society - David McKay

Now in its eighth edition, this popular introduction tackles the most recent trends in American politics and society through explanation, analyses, and interpretations of government processes adding valuable international context for students by considering these procedures and developments from a non–U.S. perspective.

Acclaimed author, David McKay, incorporates numerous updates and revisions to reflect recent trends in American society and politics; developments characterized by some of the deepest ideological divisions since before World War II. Reflecting these historic changes, McKay shifts his focus from the gap between public expectations and government performance to the increasingly strident and divisive ideological climate now seen in the modern American political system. This new edition also features two full chapters devoted to the recent course of the Obama presidency and a new chapter on environmental politics. The book is written in a student–friendly style and is supplemented with numerous illustrations and helpful pedagogical features, including chronologies, biographies, and definition boxes highlighting key concepts and controversial issues. It offers thought–provoking insights into the social background to contemporary politics in America, while fully embracing the latest developments in its most turbulent political arena in decades.