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American Politics: A Beginner’s Guide (Beginner’s Guides)
£8.40£9.50 (-12%)
To understand the world events today, you need to understand American politics. Exploring the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Jon Roper provides a sharp analysis of how history has shaped the way America governs itself. Examining the recent emergence of the right-wing Tea Party movement, President Obama’s administration, American foreign policy, and the role of powerful lobbies, this is the perfect primer for anyone interested in the world’s most powerful (and controversial) country.
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Additional information
| Publisher | First Edition (1 Jun. 2011), Oneworld Publications |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 208 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 185168817X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1851688173 |
| Dimensions | 12.95 x 2.03 x 19.81 cm |
by D. Jenkins
Despite being initially torn between ordering this book or a second-hand edition of ‘American Politics for Dummies’, I plumbed for this and came out a winner (I think!). This is an excellent introduction to American Politics discussing complex issues such as federalism, isolationism, internationalism and also laying bare as well as anyone could do in the amount of words used just how the American electoral system works and how the Supreme Court, the Executive branch and the Houses of Congress attempt to work together (as well as why these institutions were set up). I’ve heard about these terms and ideas so many times before but have never been able to find a book that explains them basically, without assuming you know at least some of the fundamentals of the American political system. Roper doesn’t assume any prior knowledge on these subjects which means this is a book I wish I’d pick up some years ago.
Although I’ve covered a lot of American history whilst at Uni, I’ve always found the electoral system and the relationships between the Congress, the President and the Supreme Court impossible to get my head around, but Roper explains things very well, providing historical examples of how these systems and institutions have worked and developed over time. After these aspects of American politics have been discussed, the book goes on to discuss how the Executive branch (effectively the Presidency) has become more and more prominent in the guiding of American policy both foreign and domestic. The last few chapters of the book mainly focus upon how the Presidents of the twenty-first century have dealt with the issues facing America as they arrive in the Oval office but even in these chapters, Roper avoids the common pit-fall of many books on American politics of only discussing the President in question and their personal views or ambitions.
Overall, American Politics is a very easy, relatively quick read that doesn’t assume prior knowledge or experience of the sometimes mind-bendingly difficult workings of the American political system, whilst happily not making you feel like an idiot as it lays things out.
by Simon Matthews
The reviews seem to imply this is more of a beginners book than it is in reality. Very text heavy with no illustrations or graphics. Regretting i didn’t go for American Politics for Dummies instead. More of a text book for students than for someone with a general interest in the US Election or understanding politics behind The West Wing. May eventually get to read it but not jumping off the shelf at me.
by Terence
Enjoying reading.
by Booklover
Great guide book for anyone interested in US politics. Easy to read and understand and lots of info
by Caitlyn O
Great book, fast delivery.
by Amanda
Interesting and accessible…
by M. Sumner
An excellent introduction to American politics for anyone who wants to know more about government and politics in the USA. Jon Roper is Professor of American Studies at the University of Swansea, UK and has formerly held positions at the University of Tennessee, the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State University. He takes us on a journey starting with the founding fathers in 1620, explores the founding principles enshrined in the United States Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He provides a sharp analysis of how history, religion and ideology have forged the way America governs itself. He discusses state politics, the original thirteen colonies on the Atlantic seaboard, the creation of the federal government, the Tea Party movement, American foreign policy – isolationism verses internationalism – and the power of lobby groups.
This is an engaging guide for anyone including readers in the United States.
by Debz88
An informative, fascinating and succinct insight into what makes the United States of America as we know it today tick. It has helped demystify, in layman’s terms, what can appear a complex, slow-responding and at times irrational political world which, even in decline, remains an extremely powerful player on the international stage.