Burma Vs Golden Teacher, Tarrant County Criminal Court Records, Do Lanterns Stop Mobs From Spawning, Round Robin Team Roping Spreadsheet, Articles U

The book also includes more whitespace than a typical textbook (e.g. The graphics, photos, and primary documents add a visual appeal as well as provide students to other literacies. In the pages that follow you will find information to help you better understand how the machinery of . Each chapter begins with an introduction, moves into the various sections and concludes with the summary and then supplemental material. Modularity is clearly possible in this text, although I do not think this criteria should be rated high in importance as to determining whether this is a solid textbook. Adopting profs should read the chapters carefully so they know what areas get deeper coverage, and what areas get shallower treatment. A second point, is figure 3.17 regarding marriage equality. There are some chapters I would probably not use (the policy chapters) and I would prefer the chapters in a different order (institutions before behavior), but that is something that can come through teaching. The text is easily divisible into smaller sections that can be reordered within the course. The book is actually slightly longer and denser than other texts I have assigned for an introductory course in American Krutz joined the Department of Political Science in 2002. Each topic by chapter is integrated with all the others in some way. Building Democracy for All is an interactive, multimodal, multicultural, open access e-book for teaching and learning key topics in United States Government and Civic Life. All the chapters have commendable "Finding Middle Ground," "Insider Perspectives," and "Links to Learning" website listed. The is consistent in its use of terminology, and the frameworks that it provides are generally helpful and clear. } Given by award-winning professors and experts in their field, these recorded lectures dive deep into the worlds of religion, government, literature, and social justice. Has good index. I think students would have an easier time digesting the information in this book than some of the other textbooks I have used. Seems quite well written. Because the textbook has less of an editorial voice, it is easier to move chapters around. This is probably a sensitive issue. In the course of using this textbook, I have discovered no significant errors. The chapters are subdivided into appropriate sections with relevant information with documentation given with charts, diagrams, references to Supreme Court decisions and stories from media sources. 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. From the origins of the US political system, the constitutional framework, participatory inputs, formal institutions, and public policy, the major points are addressed. Most textbooks for undergraduates in this topic area dont include this topic, and its a welcome addition. Textbook solutions. In fact, Kurtz et al. United States Government: Our Democracy, Student Learning Center Online interactive website, accessible with login and password. 5.0. The Feature Boxes act as a springboard to easily engage students beyond the confines of the text. Each chapter offers an introduction, 3 to 5 written sections covering the topic, key terms, summary, review questions, critical thinking questions, and suggestions for further study. Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 20. A number of important factors are left out. 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. Each unit has three to four sub units that can easily be assigned in different readings This is the type of written activities I use in the classroom, specifically teacher driven selected chapter readings. .nav-contain-highered p{ The topics in the text are organized, structured, and flow in a logical sequence. The text makes the content more relevant to students by providing opportunities to analyze and interpret charts, data, and graphs to better understand current examples and the applications of the material. The text, while voluminous, should be readily understandable to the typical student. As a teacher of history also, I especially look for historical accuracy. I found it very appropriate for undergraduates. This text will only need updates in the area of the presidency, public policy, and possibly elections. There is a vibrant discussion in modern research on the balance between socialization and genetics in public opinion research that should be included. Includes pre-built and customizable tests and quizzes, with a variety of question types to provide critical practice for high-stakes assessments. Customize the learning experience for differentiated instruction using leveled reading, customizable assessments and worksheets, and flexible online learning tools. You have a solid editing staff doing well to ensure a good syntax throughout the book. There are some nice inserts in each chapter called Link to Learning. Reviewed by Matthew Wright, Associate Professor, American University on 2/1/18, The book is comprehensive in that it has everything I usually look for in an intro to American government text: Reviewed by Robert Asaadi, Instructor, Portland State University on 2/22/22, The work provides a comprehensive overview of both the formal and informal political institutions that one would expect to find in an introductory-level American Government text. At times, the chapters are heavy with history and not as much with theory. read more. Modularity in this textbook is handled well. Concept 1: Foundations of Government . This provides the Media with an opportunity to fill this vacuum. On the other hand, if students were to use their phones to try to read the book I could see that being a problem. United States Government Manual - Getting Started Key terms are included at the end of each chapter. Bill of Rights Poster: File Size: 199 kb: File Type: pdf: . 4. Examples depicting the new terms are plentiful. It includes many examples that students with a wide variety of backgrounds and characteristics should be able to relate to. The second edition of the text provides more than 100 substantial updates from the last two years. For example, I may not get the chance to dedicate a whole class to elections but I can use sections of the chapter on elections in relation to civil rights, to Congress and to the Executive. Google Apps. This is also one of the longer chapters in the book coming in at about 50 pages. An innovative inclusion is that, in addition to the standard chapter on federalism, American Government (2e) also includes a separate chapter (14) on State and Local Governments. It means "rule by the people" or "sovereignty of the people". Foundations of American Government. The book is accurate and error-free. It follows the standard layout of American Government textbooks and offers an effective and easily searchable index. 1. I like the additional chapter on State and Local Government (Chap 14). Accuracy is excellent, with essentially an unbiased and error-free content (and i do judge rather stringently the accuracy of historical content given I teach history as well). have even added very impressive policy chapters (domestic and foreign) that you only see on occasion. It also includes a chapter on State and Local Government. If you click on the Media icon subsets you can go straight to that subsection of the Media chapter. The textbooks language is not as direct and as appealing to the pedagogical style of this new generation of students. These aren't things I ever bother with in textbooks, so I have no opinion about whether they are useful or not in this case. Instructors will have no difficulty omitting certain topics/chapters. It covers all the bases of an Introduction to American Government and then some. Identity politics should be an integral part of academic conversations and should provide opportunities to students to engage with difficult topics by using critical thinking strategies. These will not significantly modify the content of the text, so you should be alright either way. The layout is consistent for each chapter, with topic subheadings, feature boxes, links to learning, summaries and glossaries. Verified. There are a couple other places in the text where this is noticeable. The foundational building blocks of the republic that are provided are similar to the last I was impressed by how up to date the text was. The printed version (and online replica version) has all review questions at back of each chapter, without answers provided, the way I wanted it. That is as comprehensive or more comprehensive than other textbooks I have used. I have no comment or assessment of either the usefulness of "supplementary" stuff like outside websites or discussion questions. Print Edition ISBNs: Student (2018): 978--07-668113-6 ; Teacher (2018): 978--07-668108-2 ; Contact the company representative for ISBN numbers for online/eText editions. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like. The supplemental materials (graphs, charts, figures, etc.) I am going to consider using it and ask students for their feedback on the textbook because after all, they are the ones deciphering the material. The book is up to date and has most of the usual citations one would expect of an Introduction to American Government text. Voting is one way to participate in our democracy. The details and interpretations of major issues provided by the text are accurate and helpful. Study: US is an oligarchy, not a democracy - BBC News The material in the book is relevant and up to date with current politics and elected officials. For example, reelection rates to Congress stops at 2014. - A timely set of examples, nicely updated through the beginning of the Trump presidency. Instead the chapters information jumps around and the data needs organizing. I am using this text in lieu of my regular purchased text for my intro class and I am excited for the possibilities available given the interesting and useful ways the authors have organized the material in the book - while ensuring all the bread & butter chapters for an intro American Gov text are here. I have used this text this semester (fall 2017) here at Penn State Berks with good success. As for bias, the author(s) definitely stayed neutral in their descriptions of the events regarding the Trump presidency and their effect on American society. The information is up-to-date through the 2016 presidential election and makes reference to the race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Charles N. Quigley, Executive DirectorCenter for Civic Education5115 Douglas Fir Road, Suite JCalabasas, CA 91302(818) 591-9321(818) 591-9330 (fax)e-mail: web@civiced.org. United States Government; Our Democracy, c 2018, 9780076681136 }. However, each chapter is organized with clear and explicit learning goals and achieves everything you need from an American Government textbook. 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. It covers all of the major topics an introductory text should cover and a few others as well. This text covers nearly all of the major topics covered in American Government texts. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 election, and key aspects of the first-term of the Biden administration are usefully addressed in the text. It was quite easy to use. At present, this text meets that need but it may not completely in a couple of years. Finally, I thought that the chapters (4 & 5) in Civil Liberties & Civil Rights were in particular very informative and well done. This enabled some students to essentially cheat on my homework. I also think the book does an exceptional job bringing in minorities not traditionally covered in American politics texts (Asian Americans, Native Americans, etc.) One issue that does not receive a lot of direct attention is American political culture, including the values that underlie our democratic system, but this can be supplied complementary readings. Furthermore, it also includes chapters on linkage institutions like parties, interest groups, and the media. That is the conclusion of a new survey of 1,571 political scientists. I didnt find any interface issues in this textbook. One example to consider is presented in chapter 10, section 5 discussing the free speech rights of interest groups versus calls to regulate their activity. The book's content is accurate. PDF Your Government and You Lesson Answer Key - USCIS For example, if an instructor wanted to cover formal institutions prior to individual agency and action or mediating institutions, it would not be difficult to do so using this text. In this textbook, I was pleased with both. 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. By: Donald A. Ritchie and Richard C. Remy and M. Ed. It provides the necessary information for a student who wants to learn about the American governmental process. However, on the library listing page, there is a typo in the index for chapter 17. It is a well planned and logical progression of chapters and topics. I can definitely see the advantage of having them all in one place. The updates for most chapters should be easily accomplished. The text is generally clear and easy to read, although it may err towards oversimplification is some places. While there are changes I would like to see, that is true for any book. Inclusion 6. United States Government Our Democracy Chapter 1 PDF Book Details . Not a major issue for $40, but annoying. The materials contain frequent references to variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. However, I always start American Government with a discussion on political culture and that seems to be missing. ), does a bit better job of using a small number of key concepts transaction costs, conformity costs, free riding, the prisoners dilemma, etc. While it is rare for any textbook to be completely full of errors, there are a few more errors in this book than in my preferred American Government textbook and other leading textbooks on the topic. The text would be very easy to divide into smaller sections. Reviewed by Leo Keneally, Associate Professor, Thomas Nelson Community College on 3/29/19, The textbook covers all the essential parts of American government. Reviewed by Nicole Kalaf-Hughes, Assistant Professor, Bowling Green State University on 2/1/18, The text covers all areas that one would expect from an introduction to American Government textbook. The index is clear and useful and the chapter glossaries are excellent. The text covers everything that an introduction to American government should. The text contains a variety of ideas and concepts. Within each of the chapters, there are sections which provide clear learning objectives, summaries, key terms, and opportunities for assessment with multiple-choice and short-response review questions. 33. I have not found inconsistencies in the use of concepts. The Public, the Political System and American Democracy The text is not culturally insensitive, supplying context to why the Founders created the government originally and how it has evolved. I saw no issues there. LBGTQ issues were integrated in many of the chapters and this is refreshing. 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. read more, 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. This means that the program can easily fit into your curriculum, no matter how high-tech or low-tech your classroom is. Focus on big ideas with an accessible student text built around essential questions and inquiry. The chapter-to-chapter progression is logical. Relevant archival documents and photos add to the appeal. Chapter 2: The Origins of American Government Everything seems consistently written and well-integrated. Along those lines, I would like to have seen the American government discussed more in a relative/comparative sense. The historical approaches Key Terms are highlighted within a chapter and then are defined again in the at the end of the chapter which should help student recall for those who want to check along. Political behavior for presidential and mid-term congressional elections should be analyzed independently. The use of the Electoral College and same-sex marriage across chapters are examples that I found useful in this regard. read more. The content delivers plenty of perspective for students to learn about American government. According to Locke individuals held authority through a divine power that existed in the people that formed the basis for the "fountain of authority"? The language is sophisticated throughout the text. The text focuses on current events less than many commercial publishers' alternatives (Keeping the Republic comes to mind). This textbook is very comprehensive. That was the first online textbook that I looked at and it gave me pause when considering using one. To report a technical problem with this Web site, please contact the Web Producer.Web . It is a good alternative to expensive textbooks. The text features sophisticated and accessible prose. The textbook does not include much My preferred text, The Logic of American Politics (Kernell et al. The accuracy of this text is equivalent or higher than any introductory text I am familiar with. As another example, the description of Adam Smiths views on wealth accumulation is oversimplified and arguably misleading. The canonical terms of introductory American Government are present and defined adequately. Reviewed by Randall Newnham, Professor of Political Science, Penn State University, Berks Campus on 2/1/18, Coverage same as most standard Am Gov textbooks, with chapters organized same as most (expensive) standard texts and each chapter about as long as standard texts. That might help to draw students into the material earlier in the semester, that is if you teach the chapters in order. Learning goals are explicit and each chapter has a clear structure and consistent features that carry throughout the chapters. Aristotelian "rule of the many" (direct or participatory democracy) a) Fourth-century B.C. I found it especially comprehensive in its coverage of civil rights, voter registration and turnout, and the concluding policy chapters. Reviewed by Donald Travis, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Gettysburg College on 4/17/20, I like the additional chapter on State and Local Government (Chap 14). This edition (2016) has been eclipsed by the huge changes under Trump, but that is also true of all 'standard' texts. Democratic backsliding in the United States is no longer a matter of speculative concern. In fact. read more. Spelling, punctuation and sentence structure were also all very good. 13-23) A. However, the editorial voice of the textbook is less clear than some alternatives from commercial publishers. The beginning of each module clearly identifies the learning objectives and is organized in such a way that it can be assigned at any point within the course as the instructor sees fit. Democracy is a term that derives from the ancient Greek language. This article lists forms of government and political systems, according to a series of different ways of categorizing them.The systems listed are not mutually exclusive, and often have overlapping definitions. Books.Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy . SyncBlasts:Online SyncBlasts permit teachers to leverage rich, multi-media reading and writing assignments focused on social studies and current event articles. I was actually surprised at the 'updatedness" of the book. Similar to other Introduction to American Government textbooks this book covers the typical material and then some.