The American democracy / Thomas E. Patterson

Includes bibliographical references and index

Preface -- Supplements Package -- Acknowledgments -- Part 1 Foundations -- 1 Political Thinking: Becoming a Responsible Citizen -- 2 Constitutional Democracy: Promoting Liberty and Self-Government -- 3 Federalism: Forging a Nation -- 4 Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights -- 5 Equal Rights: Struggling toward Fairness -- Part 2 Mass Politics -- 6 Public Opinion and Political Socialization: Shaping the People's Voice -- 7 Political Participation, Activating the Popular Will -- 8 Political Parties, Candidates, and Campaigns: Defining the Voter's Choice -- 9 Interest Groups: Organizing for Influence -- 10 The News Media: Communicating Political Images -- Part 3 Governing Institutions -- 11 Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests -- 12 The Presidency: Leading the Nation -- 13 The Federal Bureaucracy: Administering the Government -- 14 The Federal Judicial System: Applying the Law -- Part 4 Public Policy -- 15 Economic and Environmental Policy: Contributing to Prosperity -- 16 Welfare and Education Policy: Providing for Personal Security and Need -- 17 Foreign Policy: Protecting the American Way -- Part 5 Texas Government and Politics -- 18 Introduction to Texas Government -- 19 The State Constitution -- 20 Participation and Interest Groups in Texas Politics -- 21 Political Parties and Elections in Texas -- 22 The Texas Legislature -- 23 The Office of Governor and State Agencies in Texas -- 24 The Court System in Texas -- 25 Public Policy in Texas -- 26 Local Governments in Texas -- Appendixes -- Glossary -- Notes -- Credits -- Index.

"In 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 "The American Democracy" has long been a best seller for American government courses due to its insightful, readable, and balanced portrayal of the American political system. The 10th 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, "The American Democracy" is the right choice for you."