Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0631202579, Paperback)

Completely revised and updated to take full account of the most recent and dramatic changes in the nature of American government, the sixth edition provides a clear and concise introduction to US politics for all students of political science and American studies. It explains, analyses and interprets the processes of US government and, crucially, appraises them from a non-US perspective. As before McKay fills in the social background to American political and economic life, preparing the ground for the central discussion of the book: the institutions of the federal government, Congress, the Supreme Court and the Constitution, the federal system, the Presidency, the party bandwagons and the electoral system.While maintaining the general structure of the fifth edition, much has changed. There is a reduced emphasis on limited government, and a greater emphasis on foreign and domestic policy linked into the War on Terror. Amongst other things the introduction and conclusion have been strengthened to make the theme and content of the book clearer, and the author uses a lively style with today's student in mind.Throughout, McKay provides an up-to-date survey of the views and criticisms of leading political commentators on the American scene, including commentary on the 2004 presidential election. His considerable writing and teaching experience and the benefits of extensive road-testing with students have been brought to bear on this new edition, including its presentation of illustrative material such as the controversies used as case studies. The chapters have also been reworked to reflect recent developments, with two completely new chapters on The Media and American Politics, and The Security State.The book is supported by a website including information on the book; its detailed contents; the author; controversies; sample chapters; related titles; and links to other web resources. It will be regularly updated to ensure teachers and students have access to the most recent data:www.blackwellpublishing.com/mckay/