Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy, 19th edition

  • George C. Edwards
  • , Martin P. Wattenberg
  • , William G. Howell

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Government in America: People, Politics and Policy shows how politics influences the policies that shape American society. The authors provide a framework for understanding the difficult questions that decision makers of both political parties are facing: how should we govern and what should government do? By examining the scope of government, the authors help you see how politics matters in your own life.

The 19th Edition has been updated to reflect recent changes, some of a historic magnitude, in politics, policy and participation. Topics covered include the 2024 presidential and congressional elections, recent Supreme Court decisions, and current policies on immigration, budgeting, environmental protection and more.

Published by Pearson (May 6th 2025) - Copyright © 2026

ISBN-13: 9780138359065

Subject: Political Science

Category: American Government

Part 1. Constitutional Foundations

  1. Introducing Government in America
  2. The Constitution
  3. Federalism
  4. Civil Liberties and Public Policy
  5. Civil Rights and Public Policy

Part 2. People and Politics

  1. Public Opinion and Political Action
  2. The Mass Media and the Political Agenda
  3. Political Parties
  4. Campaigns and Voting Behavior
  5. Interest Groups

Part 3. The Policymakers

  1. Congress
  2. The Presidency
  3. The Budget: The Politics of Taxing and Spending
  4. The Federal Bureaucracy
  5. The Federal Courts

Part 4. Policies

  1. Economic and Social Welfare Policymaking
  2. Policymaking for Health Care, the Environment and Energy
  3. Foreign Policymaking