Overview

A source of unbiased, factual information on the U.S. government American Government For Dummies helps you easily understand the concepts and historical events that define the U.S. government system. This readable guide covers all the content in a typical course on American government or civics, and it offers curious readers a way to learn more about how the country is run. You'll get clear, impartial, and trustworthy explanations of topics such as the three branches of government, political parties, how campaigns and elections work, and public and foreign policy. It's everything you need to become government-savvy. Inside: Understand the history of the U.S. system of government and how it operates today Learn about opinion polls, elections, interest groups, political parties, and campaigns Untangle the differences among the Senate, House of Representatives, Judiciary, and other important institutions Get clarity on the importance of voting and discover other ways you can contribute American Government For Dummies is a perfect for anyone looking to brush up on the foundations of the U.S. government—for a class, or simply to become more informed on the systems and structures that shape daily life.

Full Product Details

Author:   Marcus A. Stadelmann (University of Texas, Tyler, TX; University of California, Riverside, CA)
Publisher:   John Wiley & Sons Inc
Imprint:   For Dummies
Dimensions:   Width: 18.80cm , Height: 2.00cm , Length: 23.10cm
Weight:   0.499kg
ISBN:  

9781394375745

ISBN 10:   1394375743
Pages:   352
Publication Date:   26 November 2025
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Out of stock  
The supplier is temporarily out of stock of this item. It will be ordered for you on backorder and shipped when it becomes available.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1 Part 1: Setting the Foundation for a New Nation 5 Chapter 1: Designing a New Country and a New Constitution 7 Chapter 2: Dividing Powers to Establish Federalism 27 Part 2: Developing Political Structures 41 Chapter 3: Convening a Congress 43 Chapter 4: Focusing on the Presidency 65 Chapter 5: Adjusting the Judiciary Framework 85 Chapter 6: Building the Bureaucracy 101 Part 3: Safeguarding the People 115 Chapter 7: Addressing Civil Liberties 117 Chapter 8: Continuing the March for Civil Rights 137 Part 4: Making Policy: What a Government Must Do 155 Chapter 9: Making Public Policy 157 Chapter 10: Conducting Foreign Policy 177 Part 5: Participating in Politics 199 Chapter 11: Regarding Public Opinion and the Media 201 Chapter 12: Partaking in the Political Process 221 Chapter 13: Participating in Campaigns and Elections 237 Chapter 14: Examining Political Parties 255 Chapter 15: Discovering Interest Groups 281 Part 6: The Part of Tens 299 Chapter 16: The Ten Most Influential Court Cases in U.S History 301 Chapter 17: The Ten Most Influential Documents in U.S History 309 Index 317

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Author Information

Marcus A. Stadelmann, PhD, is a professor of political science at the University of Texas at Tyler. He is the author of U.S. Presidents For Dummies and Political Science For Dummies and has been teaching American government for more than 40 years.

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