ABSTRACT

This book is organized to examine the major subjects taught in American politics through the lens of twenty-five hot button issues affecting American politics and policy today. These key issues reflect the ideas, principles, concerns, fears, morals, and hopes of the American people. The authors argue that these issues are the heart and soul of the American political system, serving as the basis for the disagreements that drive citizens, public servants, and elected officials into action.

Features of this Innovative Text

  • Examines 25 issues in light of the 2016 presidential election and beyond.
  • Up-to-date chapters reflect important developments in the arenas of money and politics, immigration, health care, race relations and civil rights, gun control, and gay rights in particular.
  • Includes international coverage with recent and ongoing events surrounding Iran, Syria, Israel and Palestine, and China.
  • A chapter on Russia puts recent developments in Syria, Ukraine, Crimea, and the "near abroad" in context with US foreign policy.

chapter |14 pages

Introduction

Are We a Nation United or Divided?

chapter 1|16 pages

Terrorism and Homeland Security

chapter 2|11 pages

The Middle Class and the American Dream

chapter 3|16 pages

Global Warming and Climate Change

chapter 4|17 pages

Health Care and Health Care Reform

chapter 5|18 pages

Immigration and Immigration Politics

chapter 6|18 pages

Taxing and Spending

chapter 7|15 pages

Social Security and Medicare

chapter 8|15 pages

Race Relations and Racial Politics

chapter 9|15 pages

Reforming Education

chapter 10|14 pages

Abortion Rights

chapter 11|14 pages

Gun Rights

chapter 12|13 pages

Gay Rights

chapter 13|13 pages

Capital Punishment

chapter 14|14 pages

Money and Politics

chapter 15|15 pages

Religion and Politics

chapter 16|13 pages

Science and Politics

chapter 17|12 pages

The Drug War

chapter 18|14 pages

Energy Use and Energy Conservation

chapter 19|14 pages

Poverty, Inequality, and Social Welfare

chapter 20|13 pages

National Defense

chapter 21|16 pages

China

chapter 22|16 pages

Iran

chapter 23|17 pages

Russia

chapter 24|16 pages

Conflicts in the Middle East

chapter 25|15 pages

Globalization and Trade

chapter |6 pages

Conclusion