American Government ─ Political Development and Institutional Change

How politics in America works today, how it got that way, and how it’s likely to change through reform—these are the themes that pervade every chapter of Cal Jillson’s highly lauded American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change. America’s past is present in all aspects of the contemporary political system. Jillson uses political development and the dynamics of change as a thematic tool to help students understand how politics works now—and how institutions, participation, and policies have evolved over time to produce this political environment. In addition, Jillson helps students think critically about how American democracy might evolve further, focusing in every chapter on reform and further change.

• Highlights the 2016 Presidential and Congressional campaigns and elections.
• Projects the likely legacy of Obama’s presidency.
• Includes important Supreme Court events and decisions including the death of Scalia and the affirmation of gay marriage.
• Covers the continuing challenges of and to the Affordable Care Act.
• Presents new material on race, ethnicity, gender, and political participation.
• Explores growing income inequality and its implications.
• Pays increased attention to social media and new media in politics.
• Updates all data in tables and figures through the 2016 elections.
• Over half the photos in the book are new.

In a streamlined presentation, Jillson delivers a concise and engaging narrative to help students understand the complexities and importance of American politics. Along the way, several pedagogical features foster critical thinking and analysis:

• Key learning objectives at the beginning of every chapter focus students on the central learning objectives.
• "The Constitution Today" chapter opening vignettes illustrate the importance of conflicting views on constitutional principles.
• Key terms are defined in the margins on the page where they appear help students study important concepts.
• Colorful figures and charts help students visualize important information.
• "Struggling towards Democracy" discussion questions now do more to provoke critical thinking through examining the "then and now" of democracy in America.
• "Let’s Compare" boxes analyze how functions of government and political participation work in other countries—now framed by new critical thinking questions.
• Reformatted "Pro & Con" boxes bring to life a central debate in each chapter and highlight competing perspectives; new discussion questions in each box prompt students to weigh the different arguments and weigh in.
• End-of-chapter summaries, suggested readings, and web resources help students master the material and guide them to further critical investigation of important concepts and topics.

Cal Jillson is Professor in the Department of Political Science at Southern Methodist University. His recent books include Lone Star Tarnished: A Critical Look at Texas Politics and Public Policy; Texas Politics: Governing the Lone Star State; Pursuing the American Dream: Opportunity and Exclusion Over Four Centuries; Pathways to Democracy: The Political Economy of Democratic Transitions; and The Dynamics of American Politics. Jillson is a frequent media commentator on Texas and national politics.