Author Description

The text that professors trust to get students thinking analytically about American government now includes new content on how race, gender, and group identity intersect with political behavior and institutions. And, leading scholars have contributed new "Analyzing the Evidence" features that engage students with the questions and methods that political students use themselves. The 2014 Election Update editions include results and analysis from the 2014 election results as well as updated discussions of other important political developments, such as Obama's executive orders on immigration and the new limits on the filibuster. In addition, many figures and tables have been updated with the latest data. In lively prose, Ackerman and Ginsberg explain the origins of each constitutional provision, assess the ways in which each has been used and interpreted over time, and examine the controversies that continue to surround key constitutional principles such as the president's powers during times of war and Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce. The authors also address a number of long-standing American political principles and practices that are not discussed in the Constitution, although many Americans think they are. A selection of related documents is included, as well as a list of recommended online resources for further reading and research. The Third Edition includes expanded headnotes, coverage of recent Supreme Court decisions, and other important updates.