Battleground

Intended for young adult readers and high school students, this two-volume set on American government and politics provides encyclopedia style entries for easy research on a wide variety of controversial topics in American politics and civic life. Arranged alphabetically, entries cover topics from abortion to the Tea Party movement and Federalism to the Patriot Act. Each entry provides a narrative explanation of the topic, including relevant historical facts, important characters and related legislation. The volume includes a helpful index of topics grouped thematically covering broader themes such as civil rights, economic issues, foreign affairs and electoral politics. Editors and contributors are academics in law, history and political science from a variety of institutions. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Kathleen Uradnik is professor of political science at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, as well as a licensed attorney.

Lori A. Johnson is assistant professor of political science at Mercer University, Macon, GA.

Sara Hower is adjunct professor of political science at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.