By the People: Debating American Government - Softcover

"'Engage, Think, Debate' should become pedagogical theme of all American Government courses in the 21st century."--E. Perry Ballard, Daytona State College

"A comprehensive overview of American political processes that is engaging and informative. The authors continually challenge students to think critically about controversial issues and include relevant and thoughtful examples to reinforce learning."--Steven Nawara, Valdosta State University

"The writing style is terrific and accessible. Students like the way it is written and visual learners will appreciate the graphics and 'By the Numbers.' Given the content, writing, organization, and price, there is not a better text on the market."--John Shively, Longview Community College

"By the People is comprehensive, engaging, and sensitive to cultivating relevant connections between students and politics (which can be all too abstract at times)."--Jay Cerrato, Bronx Community College

"Throughout the text, the issues that are selected are important to students and they will be engaged with the alternating viewpoints that are summarized. From an instructor's perspective, I will use this to stimulate debate and discussion among students."--Michael Petersen, Utah State University

"This is a very well-organized, comprehensive text on American government and politics that really promotes good critical-thinking skills and discussion/writing."--Kimberly Casey, Northwest Missouri State University

"This is one of the most comprehensive texts on American government and politics on the market today. Two aspects that I truly love are the 'By the Numbers' and the 'What Do You Think' features. I think that the supplements make this book extremely user friendly for both instructors and students. I would pick it over its competitors any day!"--Nichole Boutte-Heiniluoma, Jarvis Christian College

"By the People's greatest strength is its emphasis on the connection between the events and theory it discusses and students' lives."--Mikhail Rybalko, Texas Tech University

"This is a book that goes beyond the traditional format of 'Describe a concept, give a historical antecedent, and move to the next concept.' It challenges students to consider the real world and how they fit into it."--Patrick Moore, Richland College

"I like the 'What Do You Think' features; I think that they could be used to start good conversations. In a large class they might be items that professors assign for recitation sections (or short essays) and in smaller classes they offer great ideas to debate further in class."--Zachary Baumann, The Pennsylvania State University

"'Engage, Think, Debate' should become pedagogical theme of all American Government courses in the 21st century."--E. Perry Ballard, Daytona State College

"A comprehensive overview of American political processes that is engaging and informative. The authors continually challenge students to think critically about controversial issues and include relevant and thoughtful examples to reinforce learning."--Steven Nawara, Valdosta State University

"The writing style is terrific and accessible. Students like the way it is written and visual learners will appreciate the graphics and 'By the Numbers.' Given the content, writing, organization, and price, there is not a better text on the market."--John Shively, Longview Community College

"By the People is comprehensive, engaging, and sensitive to cultivating relevant connections between students and politics (which can be all too abstract at times)."--Jay Cerrato, Bronx Community College

"Throughout the text, the issues that are selected are important to students and they will be engaged with the alternating viewpoints that are summarized. From an instructor's perspective, I will use this to stimulate debate and discussion among students."--Michael Petersen, Utah State University

Challenge your students to ENGAGE in the conversation and process; THINK about the ideas, history, structure, and function; and DEBATE the merits of American government and politics in the 21st century.

In a storytelling approach that weaves contemporary examples together with historical context,By the People: Debating American Government, Brief Second Edition, explores the themes and ideas that drive the great debates in American government and politics. It introduces students to big questions likeWho governs? How does our system of government work? What does government do? andWho are we? By challenging students with these questions, the text gets them to think about, engage with, and debate the merits of U.S. government and politics.

Ideal for professors who prefer a shorter text, By the People, Brief Second Edition, condenses the content of the comprehensive edition while also preserving its essential insights, organization, and approach. Approximately 20% shorter and less expensive than its parent text, the full-color Brief Second Edition features a more streamlined narrative and is enhanced by its own unique supplements package.
ENGAGE

* "By the Numbers" boxes containing fun facts help frame the quizzical reality of American politics and government

* "See For Yourself" features enable students to connect with the click of a smart phone to videos and other interactive online content

THINK

* Chapter One introduces students to seven key American ideas, which are revisited throughout the text

* "The Bottom Line" summaries conclude each chapter section, underscoring the most important aspects of the discussion

DEBATE

* "What Do You Think?" boxes encourage students to use their critical-thinking skills and debate issues in American government

* Four major themes, in the form of questions to spark debate, are presented to students in Chapter One and appear throughout the text