The writing is generally very clear. The chapters contain accurate information. The formatting of the text throughout is excellent. This . On diversity: Notwithstanding the fact that the book has text and images that represent different groups based on sex, race, religion and sexual orientation, among other characteristics; there is general reference to Hispanics being the largest minority group in the first chapter which is supposed to set up the main characteristics of our country. Those that do work, can take the reader away from the book and you can not hit the go back button. A couple of further notes (in no order) that didn't seem to fit anywhere else: 1. Elsewhere in the same chapter, the descriptions of Shays's Rebellion and the Boston Tea Party leave out important details that would help students relate the events to the broader topics under discussion. read more. Chapter . I didn't read every line, but the broad sections I read contained no technical writing errors that I observed. 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. I like the additional chapter on State and Local Government (Chap 14). The Founders and Federalism. The text was clear and devoid of any unnecessary jargon. The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. There isnt much to say here. read more. Great looking book and the price point would be very beneficial to students. Within each chapter, sections are consistently arranged to first build comprehension and then work toward deeper analysis of topic, which is an effective pedagogical framework. ), does a bit better job of using a small number of key concepts transaction costs, conformity costs, free riding, the prisoners dilemma, etc. The concepts are: growth of democracy, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, civil liberties . I wish there were more pictures though to break up the text and to enhance the reading. The supplemental materials (graphs, charts, figures, etc.) Again, the sections of the book include origins of the republic (in this case called "Students and the System"), individual action, collective action, formal institutions and government output. The text is internally consistent with respect terminology and framework. The cosmetics of the book is well done. Those considering a new adaption for the introduction to American Government class would do well to give Kurtz et. Foundations of American Government. The text contains a variety of ideas and concepts. I agree that the content is relevant, and can be easily updated. The text offers an accurate synthesis of American political scholarship and is presented in an unbiased manner. I would have preferred more of this, but the book was adequate in this regard. Independence and the Articles of Confederation. This text covers nearly all of the major topics covered in American Government texts. 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. The index and glossary are well formulated. The text is extremely consistent. I imagine the authors are planning to update every two years and it should be relatively simple to add/subtract topical material without substantial modifications to the foundational text. Reviewed by Colin Glennon, Associate Professor, East Tennessee State University on 4/11/19, The book certainly has all of the topics expected of an Introduction to American Government text. Important terms are underlined throughout the text making it easier for students to see the terms they should know for testing. Most importantly, the emergence of Donald Trump simply alters how the institution of the presidency communicates and respects (or doesn't respect) past institutional norms. The book is competently written and produced. Accuracy is overall quite good. There are areas where graphics examples could be updated; a few of the federalism chapter charts are using 2014 data. A chapter on State and Local government is also included as a useful addition. To learn about the specific purchase options for this program, please contact our Customer Service team at 800-338-3987. I read the "theme" as being about civic engagement, and the theme appears consistently throughout the text. This text is VERY detailed in its coverage, which is impressive and surprising given its relative brevity. Each requires students to open up these extended opportunities for more information but in my opinion slides into information "overload" dimensions. Includes audio, annotation tools, and approaching level option for the student text. There were no issues with this at all. I was not able to determine any instances of errors, although there are a few places where the coverage was a bit subjective or questionable. Overall, this is a very good text. This text could very easily replace the book I have used ("We the People") for the past 3 years. The text's ease of access and open source publishing make it a clear and obvious alternative to expensive textbooks. The text is not culturally insensitive. I reviewed the book for about 3 hours, and I could probably spend another 3 hours finding other "issues." I think that's important to show that most of the world's nations do operate with a democratic framework. 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. I particularly liked the "Get Connected," "Links to Learning," and "Insider Perspectives." font-family: ProximaNova,Helvetica Neue,Arial,Noto Sans,Liberation Sans,sans-serif,Apple Color Emoji,Segoe UI Emoji,Segoe UI Symbol,Noto Color Emoji !important; read more. As to presenting information in an unbiased minor, I would argue that Kurtz et. It covers all the areas that may be taught in an American Government intro class. Product details Publisher : Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster; 1st edition (November 30, 2021) Language : English Hardcover : 576 pages ISBN-10 : 1982160276 ISBN-13 : 978-1982160272 Item Weight : 1.99 pounds Dimensions : 6 x 1.9 x 9 inches Reviewed by Gina Flakes, Adjunct Professor, Aiken Technical College on 5/24/21, American Government 2e offers a comprehensive survey of the core aspects of the US political system. Overall, this is a solid choice in terms of comprehensiveness. Overall there are no major things to complain about here. There is an additional chapter on State & Local government aside from the chapter on federalism - which offers 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. 3. The images and charts used in the book help clarify the concepts very well. I am not sure about the process of updates though and I suspect that within one or two years the book will need a refresh. The unit heading probably need more explanation and their rationale for selecting the chapters under each unit topic spelled out. Mediating Institutions and Collective Action 4. Right from the start is an engaging "What is Government" and "Who governs" introductory sections, followed by excellent descriptions of our constitutional backgrounds and developments, and next the originality and purpose of our federal system of government. (1) $6.50. So do be sure, if adopting this text, to carefully preview the chapters for any issues like this. I am skeptical that instructors can get through 17 chapters in a normal semester, but the material is nice to have if desired. I think it would be harder to pull apart sections of the book independently and rearrange them. The pure number of citations is impressive, however they are shown to the reader throughout a chapter in a separated gray box. But after that there is some latitude as to which major theme comes next. The text effectively frames controversial topics in American politics and the reader does not come away with the impression that the author's are putting their thumbs on the scale in favor of a particular interpretation or political ideology. Its inclusive treatment of a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds is especially evident in the texts treatment of civil rights, but it is evident in other sections of the text as well. In my classes using the book, I have done quite a bit of rearranging. I think that the textbook goes too far in this direction. I believe the entire flow of the text and ease of read would increase by ditching this method of citation and simply using end notes or foot notes. I really like that a section on state and local government is included. Nearly every chapter has classic and current concepts to understand the evolution and development of institutions. Overall the textbook is highly consistent. In the table of contents, chapter 17 is titled "Chapter 17: Foreign Polict.". This enabled some students to essentially cheat on my homework. For example, Plato and Aristotle are not included in the further readings of the introductory chapter on government. .nav-contain-highered{ Included is a Power Point and outlined note packet that is used to introduce the origins of government for a high school American Government course. While I am generally unfamiliar with how open-resource textbooks are supposed to be ideally positioned, the book provides excellent navigational tools on the left side of the bar that made it easy for me to find what I wanted. Customize the learning experience for differentiated instruction using leveled reading, customizable assessments and worksheets, and flexible online learning tools. It does not explain some additional reasons why the two-party system in the U.S. persists. There are minor mistakes in some of the tables and figures, too. The text's modularity is such that the instructor that would be able to easily reorganize and realign the readings to fit the curricular requirements of the course taught. There seems to be a great emphasis on students and the system, as indicated in Part 1, and civic engagement more generally. I spotted no factual inaccuracies, and the text does not belay any obvious political bias. Reviewed by Rolfe Peterson, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Susquehanna University on 2/11/20, This textbook is extremely comprehensive. The framework of the text is internally consistent. The definition of public opinion is probably not as accurate as it could be. It covers all of the major topics an introductory text should cover and a few others as well. are excellent for visual learners and certainly enhance the message of each section/chapter. 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. Unfortunately, I found the hyperlinks within the text to be a bit distracting. United States Government: Our Democracy (2016) Publisher: McGraw-Hill . read more. For example, reelection rates to Congress stops at 2014. It is divided into five sections, which makes it easily approachable to both instructor and student. Certainly this could just be a matter of preference, and obviously an instructor can teach topics and assign chapters in whatever order they desire, but I am puzzled by this decision. History, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Politics and Government Grade Levels: College Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior, Undergraduate Student Submitted By: Daproim Africa Proofread By: Daproim Africa Usage Restrictions: This is a copyrighted book. I am strongly considering adopting this for my students, though I wish that it were weightier and lengthier. Of course since a key feature of this book is to present a considerable amount of material that combines theory and application and stimulate critical thinking, covering the volume of materials given the way it is divided may present a challenge over one semester.