|
|
American Politics: A Very Short IntroductionStock informationGeneral Fields
Special Fields
DescriptionThis book introduces the vital elements of American politics, emphasizing how these elements have evolved into the form they take today. By using a historical-institutional approach to the various parts of American politics, Valelly communicates that the American political system is, and always has been, a work in progress--one unfolding within, and also constantly updating, an eighteenth-century constitutional framework. Valelly begins by asking what Americans want from their politics and answers with a four-part analysis: (1) the politics of "peace and prosperity," (2) the sometimes illiberal politics of conformity and Americanization, (3) the politics of large-scale problem-solving (e.g., the abolition of slavery) and "perfection of the Union," and (4) the deep public desire for constitutional continuity. The last item provides the organizational framework/theme for the rest of the book. Table of contentsLIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS; PREFACE; CHAPTER 1: ELEMENTS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY; CHAPTER 2: THE PRESIDENCY; CHAPTER 3: CONGRESS AND ITS BICAMERALISM; CHAPTER 4: THE LEGISLATIVE-EXECUTIVE PROCESS; CHAPTER 5: THE SUPREME COURT; CHAPTER 6: BUREAUCRACY; CHAPTER 7: PUBLIC OPINION; CHAPTER 8: POLITICAL PARTIES AND DEMOCRATIC CHOICES; CHAPTER 9: THE PARTISAN REVIVAL; CHAPTER 10: POLITICAL ECONOMY; REFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX |