ABSTRACT

American Political Process examines both the formal institutions of government and organizations such as political parties and pressure groups. It analyzes how these bodies interact in the making of public policy in the United States in order to provide an understanding of contemporary American politics. The seventh edition has been thoroughly updated and revised with entirely new material on:

  • the 2000 Presidential election and George W. Bush's presidency
  •  the September 11th attacks and the 'War on Terrorism'
  • the 2002 mid-term elections
  • controversial issues such as abortion and gun control.

Each chapter includes a variety of useful tables and diagrams, suggestions for further reading and relevant websites and a glossary of key terms. Written with admirable clarity, this is the ideal textbook for students of American politics and society.

chapter 1|8 pages

The framework of American politics

chapter |17 pages

A mobile society

chapter 2|31 pages

Making the laws: the American Congress

The American Congress The role of the legislature

chapter |8 pages

Factors influencing voting in Congress

chapter |11 pages

The legislative process in Congress

chapter 3|52 pages

Law execution

The President and administration

chapter 4|22 pages

Law adjudication

The Supreme Court and the judiciary

chapter |13 pages

The Rehnquist Court since 1986

chapter |1 pages

Think points

chapter 5|1 pages

Pressure group politics

chapter |12 pages

Methods of pressure group influence

chapter 6|27 pages

Party politics

chapter 7|46 pages

Elections and voting

chapter 8|25 pages

Federalism, the states and local government

The federal principle

chapter |1 pages

Some further reading

chapter |9 pages

Notes

chapter |4 pages

Appendices

The Constitution of the United States

chapter |3 pages

ARTICLE II

chapter |2 pages

ARTICLE VI

chapter |2 pages

AMENDMENT XII

chapter |1 pages

AMENDMENT XVIII

chapter |1 pages

AMENDMENT XXI

chapter |1 pages

AMENDMENT XXV

chapter |2 pages

Appendix II

Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the United States

chapter |6 pages

III Glossary