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Approaching Democracy

Approaching Democracy

8th Edition

Larry Berman, Bruce Murphy

May 2012, Paperback, 624 pages
ISBN13: 9780205251605
ISBN10: 0205251609
For orders to USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan visit your local Pearson website
£71.99
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Updated in its 8th edition, Approaching Democracy addresses the evolving nature of the American experiment in democratic government. It teaches readers the theory and basics of American political science and the nation's political history. It provides the critical thinking skills needed to analyze these evolving relationships. Larry Berman and Bruce Allen Murphy are long-time teachers of the Introductory American Political Science course in both large and small public and private universities. Their goal was to write a book that offers a clear and relevant theme in an easily readable format.

Part I - FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

1. Approaching Democracy

2. The Founding and the Constitution

The Constitution of the United States

3. Federalism

PART II - INSTITUTIONS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

4. Congress

5. The Presidency

6. The Judiciary

7. The Bureaucracy

PART III - PROCESSES OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

8. Public Opinion

9. Political Parties

10. Participation, Voting, and Elections

11. Interest Groups

12. The Media

PART IV - LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS IN AMERICAN DEMOCRACIES

13. Civil Liberties

14. Civil Rights and Political Equality

PART V - POLICY MAKING IN AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

15. Domestic and Economic Policy

16. Foreign Policy

Appendix I - Introducing the Concept of Approaching Democracy

Appendix II - Presidents and Congresses, 1789-2009

Appendix III - Supreme Court Justices

Appendix IV - The Declaration of Independence

Appendix V - The Federalist, No. 10, James Madison

Appendix VI - The Federalist, No. 51, James Mdison

  • “Timelines” in each chapter showcase the book’s historical perspective. (ex. p. 15)
  • “Compared to What?” feature provides a comparative perspective for students to see the difference between the various forms of governments in the world and how the American democracy relates to those countries. (ex. p. 39)
  • “Contemporary Issues in Democracy” essays highlight recent legal and political developments. Students are encouraged to examine these issues in the context of approaching or moving away from a more democratic system. (ex. p. 132)
  • “Learning Objectives” follow the Chapter Outline at the start of each chapter.¿ Phrased as a question, these are intended to prime students to focus on the most important concepts in a chapter. (ex. p. 78)
  • “Quick Reviews” are mini-summaries and lists found in the margins designed to break an important concept or process down and help students remember its constituent parts.¿ These are geared to help students memorize and recall key information. (ex. p. 151)
  • “Thinking Critically” questions, placed throughout the book at key points, ask students to analyze and synthesize the material they’ve learned. (ex. p. 187)
  • “Test Yourself” questions found at the end of each chapter help ensure students’ mastery of the chapter. (ex. p. 238)

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