Provides an up-to-date introduction and analysis of the US political scene written from a comparative perspective, newly revised and updated throughout

American Politics and Society in an accessible introduction to the main institutions of the US federal government, discussing the most recent developments in broader economic, social, and comparative contexts. Now in its tenth edition, this popular textbook applies an international perspective to the relevance of historical trends, research findings in political science, and present-day governmental procedures, structures, and debates. Acclaimed author David McKay guides students through the complexities of the American political system while encouraging them to evaluate the widening ideological divide that now defines American political life and public discourse.

Since the publication of the previous edition, America has undergone some of the most dramatic events in its history--from the COVID-19 pandemic, to the widespread protests against racial and economic injustice, to the aggressive populist rhetoric of Donald Trump, to the bitterly contested 2020 presidential election that culminated in the violent assault on the US Capitol. In this edition, the author addresses the escalating ideological conflict, the rise of extremism in the Republican Party, arguments over the proper role of government, the public's expectations of politicians and political processes, and more. Offering valuable insights into both the social-political past and present of America, this classic textbook:

* Examines the policy process in such areas as civil rights, social policy, economic policy, the environment, and foreign policy

* Evaluates the performance of US government over the last decade and audits the broader American political system

* Encourages students to critically assess the US government in areas of democratic responsiveness and public accountability

* Compares international social-political perspectives to those that are uniquely American

* Discusses of the role of beliefs and values in American politics and how they influence broader society and economy

Thanks to its clear and engaging narrative and its wealth of pedagogical features, American Politics and Society, Tenth Edition remains the ideal introductory textbook for courses exploring the institutions and processes of the US government and the most important events in the current American social and political landscape.

David McKay, Emeritus Professor of Government at the University of Essex, UK, is the author of numerous books and articles on American and comparative politics, including Designing Europe: Comparative Lessons from the Federal Experience, which won the Political Studies Association W. J. M. MacKenzie prize in 2001. He is also co-author of Controversies in American Politics (Wiley Blackwell, 2002).

AMERICAN POLITICS AND SOCIETY

AMERICAN POLITICS AND SOCIETY

"The tenth edition of this classic textbook on American politics offers comprehensive coverage of American political institutions and its political and policy culture while providing fresh insights concerning the nation's tumultuous political environment of the past decade."

Thomas J. Scotto, Professor of Politics and Dean of Learning and Teaching, College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow

American Politics and Society provides an up-to-date introduction and analysis of the US political scene written from a comparative perspective. Now in its tenth edition, this classic text describes the main institutions of the US federal government while discussing the most recent developments in broader economic and social contexts. Acclaimed author David McKay guides students through the intricacies of the American political system and addresses the widening ideological divide that now defines American political life and public discourse.

America has experienced some of the most dramatic events in its history over the past several years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, protests against racial and economic injustice, a bitterly contested 2020 presidential election, and a violent assault on the US Capitol. In this new edition, the author discusses the unprecedented changes in the political and social landscape of America while offering an international viewpoint on escalating ideological conflict, growing extremism in the Republican Party, arguments over the role of government, public expectations of politicians and political processes, and more.

Written in an engaging, student-friendly style, the book contains a wealth of pedagogical features, including numerous illustrations, chronologies, biographies, key definitions, and discussion boxes highlighting important concepts and controversial issues. It provides valuable insight into the social-political past of the United States, and illuminates the latest trends in America's most turbulent period in living memory.

List of Plates xii

List of Figures xiv

List of Tables xvii

Preface to the Tenth Edition xviii

1 Governing in a Polarized Society 1

Chapters to Come 5

Glossary 5

2 Beliefs, Values and American Society 6

The Nature of American Beliefs and Values 7

Values and American Society 17

Controversy 2.1. Immigration: The Changing Nature of the Debate 23

Controversy 2.2. How Classless is American Society? 26

Controversy 2.3. Americans' Ambivalent View of Government and Taxes 27

Social Structure 27

Summary 38

Questions for Discussion 38

Glossary 38

Notes 39

Further Reading 40

3 Constitutional Government 41

Origins 42

The American Constitution 46

Biographies. Hamilton and Madison 52

Ratification 52

The Adaptive Constitution 54

Controversy 3.1. How Democratic is the Constitution? 58

Assessing the Constitution 59

Summary 60

Questions for Discussion 61

Glossary 61

Notes 62

Further Reading 62

4 Federalism: Cooperation and Conflict 63

Federalism in Theory and Practice 64

The Evolution of American Federalism 68

The Changing Federal Role 70

Controversy 4.1. Federal versus State Power 72

Briefing 4.1. US Federalism in Comparative Perspective 75

A Changing Court Role? 80

The Future of American Federalism 82

Summary 84

Questions for Discussion 84

Glossary 84

Notes 86

Further Reading 86

5 American Political Parties: Polarization and Conflict 87

The Functions of Parties 88

Briefing 5.1. Why Only Two Parties in the US? 93

Crisis and Change in the American Party System 94

The Decline and Rise of Political Parties 100

Biographies: Lee Atwater and Karl Rove Republican Party 'Heavies' 102

Changing Party Ideology: 19702021 102

Explaining Party Change 105

Briefing 5.2. Populism and American Political Parties 106

Stronger but More Polarized Parties 107

Briefing 5.3. The Tea Party Movement and its Legacy 108

Summary 109

Questions for Discussion 109

Glossary 109

Notes 110

Further Reading 111

6 Elections and Political Participation 112

Patterns of American Electoral Behaviour 114

The 'American Voter' Model and the New Deal Coalition 122

The Decline of the New Deal Coalition and the Rise of a Divided Electorate 124

Controversy 6.1. Non-voting: Does it Matter? 127

Controversy 6.2. Are American Elections Corrupt? 128

Controversy 6.3. Does the Decline in Social Capital Matter? 133

Non-Electoral Political Participation 134

Summ…