Debates, Differences and Divisions: The 25 Issues That Shape American Politics - Softcover

Taking the approach that American politics can best be understood by examining the issues that reflect the ideas, principles, concerns, fears, morals and hopes of the American people,Debates, Differences and Divisions looks at twenty-five “hot button” issues affecting American politics and policy today. Michael Kryzanek argues that these issues are the heart and soul of the American political system, serving as the basis for the disagreements that drive our political system into action.

Debate, Differences and Divisions describes the key issues currently at the center of the national political arena, and presents the positions of both sides of the debate. These issues are important to the life and future of the country, creating ongoing ideological and partisan discussion.

Features:

· Coverage of the twenty-five of the hottest debates in American politics PLUS a bonus issue on the current recession are included in this lively text.

· "On The Record" boxes get each debate started by quoting active participants representing the two separate sides of the issue.

· "FYI" boxes highlight the main points of each debate by providing anecdotes that show the issue playing out in the real world.

· "Data Bank" feature analyzes “the numbers” - data, statistics, surveys — surrounding each issue, giving concrete examples of the implications of each topic.

· "The Great Debate" feature briefly summarizes the issue discussed in the chapter, and poses a question that can be used to organize a formal debate, stimulate conversation, and get students thinking about the critical issues of the day.