Overview

Designed for use in American government courses, Politics in Action encourages students to take a critical approach to contemporary events and consider the impact of politics on this Republic and its citizens. The book offers short in-depth cases that enliven the teaching of political concepts and help students grasp key issues shaping their lives. Each of the 15 chapters work as self-contained stories drawing attention to important and current actors, events, and issues in American politics. This edition highlights conflicts such as A Woman for President?, Trump vs. the Press, Re-presenting the Climate, Partisan Federalism: The Battles Over Immigration, The Politics of Abortion, Trying to Steal Georgia’s 2020 Election: Republicans Dissent, The Fight Over Fighting Words on Campus, and The Best and the Brightest in the Afghanistan War, to illustrate polarized public affairs in America. Taken together, these concise reader-friendly stories go beyond the headlines to reflect the energy, debates, and realities of modern politics. Features A three-part and 15-chapter organization echoes an introductory American Government syllabus, allowing for seamless integration into teaching the course The chapters begin with an introduction that frames the discussion, connecting it to significant issues and players A ""Concepts to Consider"" box ends each chapter to aid understanding of the key topics presented by the case stories Politics in Action provides short case stories to complement undergraduate courses on American government, as well as informing readers following contemporary politics.

Full Product Details

Author:   Gary Wasserman
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Edition:   3rd edition
Weight:   0.630kg
ISBN:  

9781041279136

ISBN 10:   1041279132
Pages:   238
Publication Date:   10 April 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available  
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Table of Contents

Preface Part I: The Foundations 1.The Constitution:The Art of Compromise:The Meal Deal of 1790 that established Washington, D.C. 2.Federalism: Partisan Federalism:The States Battle Over Immigration. 3.Civil Rights:Affirmative Action to D.E.I:The University Admissions Debate and Beyond 4.Civil Liberties:Freedom of Speech on Campus:The Fight over Fighting Words Part II: The Public 5.Public Opinion:A Surprising Stability: The Public, Partisans and Politics of Abortion 6.Elections:How Gender Matters:A Woman for President? Female frames in Presidential politics 7.Campaigns:Playing the Campaign Game: A Political Pro’s Insider Views 8.Political Parties:The 2020 Georgia Election ‘Steal’:The limits of party loyalty. 9.Interest Groups: Guns Rule: Intense Interests vs a Mellow Majority 10.Media: Trump vs the Media: A War of Words Part III: The Institutions 11.Congress:Re-presenting the Climate: Acts One and Two—Tragedy and Hope 12.The President:9/11: Presidential Power in a Crisis 13.Foreign Policy:The Best and The Brightest in The Afghanistan Disaster 14.The Bureaucracy:The Space Shuttle Disasters:Organization Groupthink. 15.The Supreme Court:Watergate and U.S. v Nixon:The Supreme Court Referees

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Author Information

Gary Wasserman has shaped a career in teaching, public service, political consulting, and writing. He recently wrote The Doha Experiment about his eight years as a Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar. The 18th edition of his co-authored classic The Basics of American Politics was published in 2026. He now lives in Portland, Oregon.

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