Explores how the lives of individuals shape politics through a unique case study framework
If, when, and how do people matter in the American political system?
Coauthor Hahrie Han’s dynamic research into the ways in which people come together to solve problems was recently recognized with a MacArthur Fellowship, and is at the center of American Government: A Brief Introduction. The book’s accessible case study framework, featuring three new case studies in the Nineteenth Edition, introduces students to individuals engaging with government, many of whom were pulled directly from Han’s research. These case studies illustrate how people’s lives and government intersect, while helping students explore the concepts and processes of American government.
Shows students how people matter in politics through an innovative case study framework
Each case study takes students on a journey through the experience of an individual engaging in the American political system. The full-circle chapter structure opens with a video of the author in the Norton Illumine Ebook. Throughout the chapter, case study callouts circle back to the case, using it to illustrate core concepts. At the chapter’s conclusion, the author unpacks the case to explore what it tells us about if, when, and how people matter in the American political system.
A guided approach in the text and courseware helps students make sense of data
Thinking Through the Evidence features give students a behind-the-scenes look into contemporary political science research, showcasing how scholars collect and use data. Timeplot features help students analyze trends to explore change over time when it comes to core concepts of American government. The InQuizitive course has been revised to reflect updates in the text and to provide new, contemporary examples on how the concepts of American government are applied in everyday life, while skills-focused modules help students practice key course skills.
What’s New in the Nineteenth Edition
- Four new Thinking Through the Evidence features from the next generation of top scholars introduce students to contemporary research and help them explore how data can provide answers to questions about American government. Each infographic is accompanied by concept check questions in the Norton Illumine Ebook, making these features interactive and assignable.
- Three new case studies leverage research by Hahrie Han to provide a real-life example of government in action and introduce students to the concepts and key ideas.
- Two new Timeplot figures illustrate data trends over time and help students use data to make sense of American politics.
- New and updated coverage of recent key political moments, including the 2026 midterm elections and President Trump’s second term, help students apply what they are learning to contemporary political examples.
About the authors
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