Politics and International Relations 2011 (UK) - Routledge

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New
AmericAN Politics: iNtroductory AmericAN Politics
3rd edition
Texas Politics
Governing the Lone Star State
Cal Jillson, Southern Methodist University, USA
‘A brief textbook can be an instructor’s boon or bane,
depending upon what’s included. Professor Jillson’s
choices and his writing style make this textbook a joy to
use, thoroughly covering the essentials while allowing
an instructor the freedom to expand on the topics that
engage and interest students.’ – Stefan D. Haag, Austin
Community College, USA
Approaching the politics of the Lone Star State from historical,
developmental, and analytical perspectives, Cal Jillson’s text
avoids partisanship, ideology, and gimmicks to provide the
most comprehensive, readable, and accurate brief description
of Texas politics available today. Throughout the book students are encouraged to
connect the origins and development of government and politics in Texas — from the
Texas Constitution, to party competition, to the role and powers of the Governor — to
its current day practice and the alternatives possible through change and reform. This
text will allow teachers to share with their students the evolution of Texas politics,
where we stand today, and where we are headed.
Texas Politics is one of the briefest and most affordable texts on the market, yet it
offers instructors and students an unmatched range of pedagogical aids and tools.
These include:
• chapter resources, with each chapter including:
- opening ‘focus questions’ to orient readers to the learning objectives
- concluding ‘Chapter Summary’
- photos and numerous tables and figures to highlight the major ideas, issues,
individuals, and institutions discussed
- ‘Let’s Compare’ feature, a half page dedicated to comparing selected states to
Texas on various dimensions
• a list of Key Terms - bolded in the text, listed at the end of the chapter, and included
in a Glossary
• suggested readings, and web resources.
Selected Contents: 1. Texas and the Texans: Then and Now 2. The Texas Constitution and
American Federalism 3. Political Participation in Texas: Voters, Campaigns, and Elections
4. Interest Groups in Texas 5. Political Parties in Texas 6. The Texas Legislature 7. The
Governor and the Executive Branch 8. The Judicial System in Texas 9. Local Government in
Texas 10. Financing State Government: Budgets, Revenues, and Expenses
February 2011: 246 x 174: 224pp
Pb: 978-0-415-89060-1: £35.99
eBook: 978-0-203-82941-7
For more information, visit: www.routledge.com/9780415890601
Perspectives on American Government
Readings in Political Development and Institutional Change
Edited by Cal Jillson, Southern Methodist University, USA and david
Robertson, University of Missouri - St. Louis, USA
‘Jillson and Robertson have created the perfect
companion text for an APd-themed American Politics
course. This collection of essential readings has been
carefully edited to help students understand each
author’s central claims without feeling overwhelmed.
Engaging end-of-chapter questions promote reflection
and discussion of enduring themes of democracy and
government.’ – McGee Young, Marquette University, USA
Perspectives on American Government offers an accessible
and coherent selection of readings to students of American
politics. Grounded in foundational debates, classic political
science scholarship, and the best contemporary analysis of
developmental trends, this reader invites students to probe the
historical dynamics that brought the United States to where it is today and how those
dynamics are likely to affect its future course. Even a full-length textbook can do no
more than hit the high points of broad and complicated topics like federalism, the role
of government, labor, race, gender, parties and interest groups, polarization, the
presidency, and America’s place in the world. This well-designed reader is an invitation
to instructors to draw your students into a deeper conversation on the key themes and
topics in each section of your course.
Jillson and Robertson have carefully edited each selection to ensure readability and
fidelity to the original arguments. Their insightful editorial introductions frame the
context in which these topics are studied and understood. Several key pedagogical
tools help students along the way:
• an introductory essay providing an overview of American political development
• chapter introductions to provide necessary context situating the readings in broader
debates
• head notes at the start of each reading to contextualize that selection
• questions for discussion at the end of each chapter, prompting students to draw out
the implications and connections across readings
• further reading lists at the end of each chapter to guide student research.
The broad readings in this volume take seriously the effort to present materials that
help students make sense of the historical changes and institutional developments that
are essential for understanding American government and politics today.
Selected Contents: Introduction 1. The Origins of American Political Principles 2. The
Revolution and the Constitution 3. Federalism and the American Political System 4. Political
Socialization and Public Opinion 5. The Mass Media 6. Interest Groups 7. Political Parties
8. Voting, Campaigns, and Elections 9. Congress: Lawmaking and Representation 10. The
President 11. Bureaucracy: Shaping Government for the 21st Century 12. The Federal
Courts: Activism v. Restraint 13. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights 14. Government, the
Economy, and Domestic Policy 15. America’s Place in a Dangerous World
2009: 234 x 156: 552pp
Pb: 978-0-415-99921-2: £31.99
For more information, visit: www.routledge.com/9780415999212
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