This is a welcome inclusion: Although most Americans interact far more with their state and local governments than the national government on a daily basis, historically American government courses have de-emphasized sub-national politics. Reviewed by Shawn Osborne, Instructor, Portland Community College on 8/21/16, As an introduction to American Government, the text covers the areas and ideas of the subject at a very comprehensive level. Everything was clear and easy to find, including graphics, charts, and figures. I can see myself using this textbook in the future. United States Government: Our Democracy 2016, LearnSmart Social Studies Overview Flyer. The textbook is written well. More textbook info. Overall, this is a solid choice in terms of comprehensiveness. Others may view this as a downside, because students will have less guidance in identifying the major themes or "thesis" of the course. Teach Me Economics. The text is particularly impressive with its section on "Equal Protection for Other Groups" as it provides an exceptional overview of the challenges many groups have faced in the United States with thoughtful explanations of landmark Supreme Court cases and legislation impacting the struggle for civil rights. The modularity is effective, though the order of the contents is the order I've been using for years, so I wouldn't have to make any changes.. The content of the text features contemporary examples and events situated within historical and theoretical contexts. (1) I liked the narrative on different types of government but I think that a table with the Greek classification of types of governments based on how many rule and whether they are good or bad would have clarified it better for students. The fully integrated print and digital content of United States Government: Our Democracy is grounded in solid pedagogy, strong authorship, and includes a full suite of thoughtfully designed teaching and learning tools.. Focus on big ideas with an accessible student text built around essential questions and inquiry. This textbook covers the main topics of a course on American government. The reading schedule is posted here by week, and the readings themselves can be found in the links below. Language is neutral and seems to avoid leading or biased undertones. Of course, this is a college textbook and there is much to learn, my recent experience is that if the volume of the reading appears ominous such may not be read in whole or be comprehended as well as the instructor may have hoped. Would grade this as 4.5 if possible. the Cold War era is not well articulated. I am also not sure that the students will click on the hyperlinks unless they are told to specifically read them. The book is internally consistent. It is not overly complicated and written at the appropriate level. The text focuses on current events less than many commercial publishers' alternatives (Keeping the Republic comes to mind). The text is academic, yet accessible. This isn't physics, it's politics. I did not notice a significant number of grammatical errors. Those items in chapter 8 are among my favorites. The chapters are arranged in a way that makes sense to the material. Although it lacks some of the additional material that other traditional textbooks provide (i.e., more information on judicial decision-making or constitutional interpretation), the text accomplishes its goal--to provide a clear and accessible overview of the American political process. suggestions as to taking featured topics a step further. The book is comprehensive, covering the major topics one would expect to find in a U.S. government textbook. It was updated in 2020. Instructors planning on using this book may want to request access to the instructor resources very early to avoid issues. And I don't. US Government Textbook PowerPoints - McGrawHill; Power Points Economics; Power Point files from US Government: Mr. Juan Calderon. Logical and standard fare. But it is an impressive work overall. This text could very easily replace the book I have used Comprehensive in terms of concepts and how they related to current ideas. I liked the film recommendations as references, although I wondered why they only came after three chapters (Intro, Congress, Courts)? The text does not run the risk of becoming obsolete in a short period of time; however, many of the examples are quite common to other introductory American Government texts. To learn about the specific purchase options for this program, please contact our Customer Service team at 800-338-3987. Technical language is defined within the text or in the chapter glossaries. There is a vibrant discussion in modern research on the balance between socialization and genetics in public opinion research that should be included. You can use that resource if you would . The term is derived from the Greek dmokratia, which was coined from dmos ("people") and kratos ("rule") in the middle of the 5th century bce to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states, notably Athens. Well, longevity is a tough matter for this kind of text. For instance, the many examples of LGBTQ issues like marriage was well documented and current through recent case law like Masterpiece Cakeshop. . There could be more treatment of the concept of power in the beginning of the book. But the textbook does well dealing with less amorphous topics, like the simple history of the Constitution or structural questions; for instance, the discussion of the eccentricities of the double-jeopardy concept. Even the most "controversial" chapters - civil rights and liberties, for example - are well-handled and I can't imagine a reasonable basis for students' balking at them. I appreciate the spacing of the material, and think that it makes it very clear and readable. As an instructor of pre-college ABE students working towards a GED, I am always looking for relevant, engaging materials to hook my students. The text provides an accurate, informative, cost-effective option for college students. The chapter summaries, quizzes, the suggestions for extra activities in particular are useful. - A good set of basic references at the end of each chapter. 3. I do not think this book is at all culturally insensitive. These help to engage students and cultivate reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills in a unique, and ever-growing platform. A menu to the left of the online textbook allows readers to quickly and efficiently navigate to another topic of the textbook. Overall the organization is quite good. A Constitutional Democracy Interactive Notebook, which works for both print and Google Drive, investigates and helps gain an understanding of how the federal, state, and local governments in the United States work under the Constitution and the responsibilities of citizenship. Us Government Democracy In Action Teachers 2000. Toward Collective Action: Mediating Institutions, Delivering Collective Action: Formal Institutions. The text is not culturally insensitive. This is a very impressive work, and I will most certainly adopt this book. There isnt much to say here. The content is very up-to-date and includes/examines relevant current issues. The text's content also features an excellent collection of relevant, recent landmark Supreme Court cases, including Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, and Obergefell v. Hodges. The endnotes are difficult to follow. Chapters provide plenty of information for pedagogical instruction; which is well organized. As mentioned above, I found the text slightly denser than the average textbook for an Introduction to American Government class. One of the strengths of the Krutz text; each chapter format patterns the same learning styles and methods. The overall structure moves formal institutions to the back of the book which is different than how I structure my course but the chapters are modular and allow the professor to assign chapters independently and mix and match to lecture chapters. Because of the texts design, I believe that it will be a manageable task to keep it up to date. In a couple instances such as above, they simply need to be done. Some may view this as a benefit, as there is more room for each instructor to add their own "big story" to their courses. This textbook is perfect for my American government course that I teach to undergraduates at the community college level. The Foundations of Geopolitics: The Geopolitical Future of Russia is a geopolitical book by Aleksandr Dugin. While the textbook references race, ethnicity, gender, and other identities in expected chapters like Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, and even the Media, overall the textbook offers a limited approach to identity politics in the context of American politics and government. You have been searching for correct information on United States Government Our Democracy Textbook . This text could very easily replace the book I have used ("We the People") for the past 3 years. I would have preferred more of this, but the book was adequate in this regard. One area it could be more inclusive is by including more primary sources and perspectives from underrepresented groups both as parts of chapters and suggested readings/bibliography citations. Ideas are presented in a clear, logical fashion, and transitions between sections flow smoothly. As a form of government, democracy has been practiced for over 2,500 years, though in different forms, such as direct democracy of the ancient Athenian The discussion of the Civil Liberties issues in Chapter 4 were particularly well chosen, to the point, and engaging. These subjects were covered using terminology that was timely and clear. United States Government Democracy in Action Student. the text covers many inclusive and powerful cases of civil rights from African Americans and the Civil Rights Movement to women's suffrage to Occupy Wall Street. Gerrymandering and redistricting is continually evolving. To expect of our students to readily pursue this extent of "Notes" is excessive, and the opposite effect I suggest occurs, namely a sense of being overwhelmed by such extra content.This is in my opinion too much to expect of our students. Sections open with learning objectives that tell students the 2-5 most important things to take away from that reading, and quiz questions populate the text at the end of sections to help students self assess their understanding of the reading. The Art Program, which "is designed to enhance students understanding of concepts through clear and effective statistical graphs, tables, and photographs", is excellent. The case law is also an effective addition. text-decoration: underline; Although the order of the chapters differ from the way I may group chapters together, the book does maintain a consistent pattern based on the logic of the book it presents. read more. Fifth, Page 338 discusses the Electoral College as the reason for a two-party system, but the explanation given does not explain why the Electoral College is one of the main reasons why there is an entrenched two-party system. However, the text provides a strong historical perspective on the issues that it addresses, so much of the texts discussion will continue to be relevant and applicable even with the passage of time. Because the textbook has less of an editorial voice, it is easier to move chapters around. The text is free from interface issues as it was easy to read and navigate, and the graphics displayed properly. The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. The foundational building blocks of the republic that are provided are similar to the last Find step-by-step solutions and answers to United States Government: Our Democracy - 9780076634538, as well as thousands of textbooks so you can move forward with confidence. Its review of Civil Rights and the groups fighting for their rights is one of the strongest parts of the text. The textbook is highly relevant with topics that will continue to be important to include in a foundational study of U.S .government. In the balance, I recognize the critiques above may not sound like the book is a good resource. read more. The interface is well done. Multiple perspectives on issues and areas of controversy are acknowledged.Enduring themes and tensions between ideas and realities are presented in a way that is not reductive. Additionally, there is a strong foundation of accurate historical background presented, especially in the Constitution chapter that provides the background necessary for understanding. So if you wanted to teach the presidency before Congress, there is enough information about Congress in the presidency chapter that students would be able to understand it without having first read the chapter on Congress. Each chapter starts with basic concepts and moves discussion toward topics which need more critical thinking. There certainly is enough relevant and timely material to assign a chapter per week for the one semester Intro type class, especially when combined with the supplementary material noted above. Sentence structure and grammar are excellent. Overall it is a bit smaller in word count than a traditional hard copy textbook and some of the chapters are smaller than I would like. }, United States Government: Our DemocracyRemy Ritchie Arbetman Scott Hanson. The content is presented in a way that scaffolds the reader's knowledge from basic understanding of the historical context and key concepts toward analysis, synthesis, and finally enables critical assessment of ideas. The text is consistent in its use of terminology. The text is a fully integrated print-digital solution for students and teachers. Excellent use of sub-sections in each chapter. In particular, the text's chapters on interest groups and bureaucracy could be kept separated or recombined to provide instruction, as necessary, on the topic of public policy. Students can read individual sections or chapters online (in a way vaguely reminiscent of Wikipedia), they can download a free PDF of the entire book, or more traditional students can order a hard copy of the book from Amazon (at a price that's still less than half of what students might pay for a book from a commercial press). The only section that I would point to specifically that I think could be improved significantly comes in Chapter 2, Section 5 and the discussion of Constitutional Change. The book is comprehensive in that it has everything I usually look for in an intro to American government text: - clear framing around basic theories of representation and collective action (probably less explicitly on the latter than something like the Kernell book, but on balance thats a good thing). For example, p. 44. and in most of the chapters. The "finding a middle ground" boxes are a neat idea, particularly in the context of an increasingly polarized country. I would have included in most, if not all chapters after the constitution, sections where students would be guided on how to engage with politics effectively in the context of each chapter. In the preface, there is a chart of the makeup of the United States Supreme Court, listing the justices, and their ideology of conservative versus liberal. read more. The text is generally clear and easy to read, although it may err towards oversimplification is some places. Krutz textbook is set up exactly the same as the three different United States Government textbooks I have used in nine years of teaching at the community college level. Overall, the content is up to date. And a printed version is also available for those who prefer it (including me!) We have stopped printing many old products, but we might have some stock in our warehouse. For example, the chapter on political parties resembles a history text. This is one of the pluses of this text. There is little to nothing lost compared to a mainstream textbook. American Government by Glenn Krutz covers a lot of ground. Uses contemporary examples, but not in depth cases that may be needed in higher level courses. read more. Foundations of Our Democracy (Aug 22-26) Monday: Roots of Democratic Government - All About Me (Assignment) . Also helpful are the key historical moments "milestones" allowing a broader context viewpoint. Knowing that I would be using the book over many sections and many semesters, I ordered a copy from Amazon and I am glad I did. Bill of Rights Poster: File Size: 199 kb: File Type: pdf: . The uniqueness of the American system is rarely mentioned (e.g., the fact that it has a presidential, federal system, with true separation of powers). United States Government: Democracy in Action emphasizes 14 key government concepts. Citizen control of the agenda 5. United States Government: Our Democracy 2018. 11th Amendment: Grants states immunity from outside lawsuits, 1795. . My biggest concerns lie with the unconventional ordering of the material, as well as the density of the text throughout. Adopting profs should read the chapters carefully so they know what areas get deeper coverage, and what areas get shallower treatment. read more. Although in the last decade I have opted for brief editions of American government, in an electronic format a longer text is useful for students who want to know more about topics that are difficult to cover in a fifteen week semester, including state and local government, public policy and foreign policy. Learning objectives are clearly identified for each unit, and each unit concludes with a concise summary of main points followed by multiple-choice and short answer questions. The textbook does not contain grammatical errors. The word "democracy" comes from the Greek word "demos" which means "people." The word "democracy" is not used anywhere in the U.S. Constitution. From the founding and Constitution to the major institutions of Congress, Courts, and the Presidency, these major areas are Faculty are used to getting free copies of texts. read more. The textbooks language is not as direct and as appealing to the pedagogical style of this new generation of students. The AP U.S. Government and Politics framework is organized into five commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. It supplements text content with useful links that serve as a great tool for boosting application and comprehension. Subchapter titles like organizing to govern are a bit confusing. Reviewing the text, I did not experience any significant interface issues. The attention to both content and process in the chapters on policy is useful. It is certainly a viable option for my course. At present, this text meets that need but it may not completely in a couple of years. But chapters are broken up into 5 or so modules, so it could be assigned that way. I like to 'build' my curriculum from a variety of sources; this book could provide a foundation. My only critique here is substantial amounts of white space following some images which may distract the reader. It is a well planned and logical progression of chapters and topics. 1. Log in to your program from these platforms: McGraw Hill Science Interactives (612), .bs3-nav-link-support a{ Sometimes it is used in plural sense, but most often used in the singular sense. And the conclusion of each chapter follows a common format including key terms definitions, summaries of each subchapter, about twenty multiple choice and essay questions, and a list of suggested readings for further study. Additional sections within a chapter or sub-sections within a section and/or more topic headings could break up the volume of information into smaller chunks for the reader, especially one who may have distractions present. Finally, I thought that the chapters (4 & 5) in Civil Liberties & Civil Rights were in particular very informative and well done. The updates for most chapters should be easily accomplished. None that I could detect. The clearer organization is a benefit to undergraduate students who may be taking the course as a required course. The historical approaches Overall, I like the organization of each chapter with the review questions, further reading and film suggestions. 1st - 10th Amendments: The Bill of Rights, 1791. V of the Constitution. I have also discovered no instances in which the presentation seems unduly slanted or biased. The continuing calls for student engagement is also a nice addition in that it allows the student to see more of how they can be active participants in governing beyond just paying taxes or voting. Reviewed by Gale Czerski, Adult Basic Education Instructor, Portland Community College on 6/20/17, This textbook provides a comprehensive framework for introductory American government. This product will be available on 09/22/2015. From the origins of the US political system, the constitutional framework, participatory inputs, formal institutions, and public policy, the major points are addressed. This could certainly be prepared for the 2020 election. There is also a Link to Learning in each module that guides readers to content related updates that are available online. Arrive Math (K-8) Achieve3000 Literacy (2-12) C; Achieve3000 Math . By breaking each chapter into sections, the modularity of the textbook itself is enhanced and should allow the instructor to break apart and/or chunk particular sections of interest. The glossary, summaries, and review questions including critical thinking are all conducive to learning and it will help students prepare for exams. The only suggestion that I would make is to include a little bit more political psychology, especially in the chapters on public opinion and the media. The text covers everything that an introduction to American government should. I like the additional chapter on State and Local Government (Chap 14). The text contains a variety of ideas and concepts. Government Democracy In Action Answers below. has on the daily lives of each and every American, motivating students to become active participants in all aspects of our political system, and helping overcome the SKU: b117200 . Very logical and clear organization. 3. This is a well put together textbook and with periodic revisions should be useful for students of American government for many years and decades to come. The interface is very easy to use, with no navigation problems or distracting features. On the plus side, the fact that the chapters are divided into sections aids the instructor in assigning chunks of material and the reader in being able to jump to a particular section therein. There are a few points the author may want to consider. Might be using this text in the spring of 2020, Reviewed by Amedee George, Professor, SUNO on 4/23/19, The chapters in the Kurtz et al e-book covers all relevant chapters of American Government and even offers chapters on Foreign policy, Domestic policy and State and Local government. Although I found having a chapter on Bureaucracy toward the end of the textbook unconventional, overall organization of the topics covered in the text are presented in a logical fashion. The book is very comprehensive. 5.0. All government textbooks have a tendency to show their age quickly, but this text may be more resilient than most. The Feature Boxes act as a springboard to easily engage students beyond the confines of the text. There are areas where graphics examples could be updated; a few of the federalism chapter charts are using 2014 data. United States Government - Holt McDougal 2011-02-10 The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America - Richard Rothstein 2017-05-02 New York Times Bestseller Notable Book of the Year Editors' Choice Selection One of Bill Gates' Each module is self-contained with its own summaries, key terms, assessments, and suggestions for further study. Students may understand the material better and make a deeper connection regarding the relationship of the Bureaucracy to the Executive Branch if it is covered after the chapter on the Presidency, before the Courts. no out-of-focus or bad images, good graphs, clear text, etc). The authors do a superb job. read more. I really like that a section on state and local government is included. I sometimes worry that textbooks I use are hard for students to understand. The writers also relied on tons of well-referenced outside sources that can easily be reorganized and incorporated into additional units. Reviewed by Robert Perry, Chair, Department of Social Sciences, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin on 6/19/18, Very well done. It is such a long and comprehensive textbook that possibly it might suffer from not having a clear and overriding theme. Reviewed by Carley Shinault, Assistant Professor, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania on 3/13/19, The text covers the full range of standard American Government textbooks, from government and civic engagement, to civil liberties and rights to branches of government and foreign policy. The book does include a chapter on state and local government, which is often not covered in U.S. government textbooks. For example in the discussion on the writers influencing the colonies toward revolution, Locke, no doubt an important writer, is presented while many others could have been highlighted. by Richard C. Remy. The graphics tables, charts, photos and the like are effective visual representations of important information and all appeared to display properly both online and in the PDF.