Approaching Democracy
Texas Edition
5th Edition
Published on 16. April 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
944 pages
978-0-13-232194-5 (ISBN)
Description
For undergraduate courses at colleges and universities in Texas for American and Texas Government Courses.
Approaching Democracy is the American Government book with a clear and compelling central theme, designed to elevate student interest.
Now in a Texas Edition!
Approaching Democracy addresses the evolving nature of the American experiment in democratic government. It teaches students the theory and the basics of American political science, the political history of this nation, and provides the critical thinking skills needed to analyze these evolving relationships. This new Teaching and Learning Classroom (TLC) California edition introduces features that incorporates more "student empowerment" tools to reinforce how American Government is relevant to students' lives today.
Larry Berman and Bruce Allen Murphy, long-time teachers of the introductory American Political science course in both large and small public and private universities, set out to write a book that offers a clear theme - one that is even more relevant now than it was when it was first presented - in a highly readable, easy-to-understand format. Both authors enjoy teaching and are actively engaged in new methods of engaging students and empowering them to participate in political discourse
Approaching Democracy is the American Government book with a clear and compelling central theme, designed to elevate student interest.
Now in a Texas Edition!
Approaching Democracy addresses the evolving nature of the American experiment in democratic government. It teaches students the theory and the basics of American political science, the political history of this nation, and provides the critical thinking skills needed to analyze these evolving relationships. This new Teaching and Learning Classroom (TLC) California edition introduces features that incorporates more "student empowerment" tools to reinforce how American Government is relevant to students' lives today.
Larry Berman and Bruce Allen Murphy, long-time teachers of the introductory American Political science course in both large and small public and private universities, set out to write a book that offers a clear theme - one that is even more relevant now than it was when it was first presented - in a highly readable, easy-to-understand format. Both authors enjoy teaching and are actively engaged in new methods of engaging students and empowering them to participate in political discourse
More details
Edition
5th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 279 mm
Width: 216 mm
Weight
1941 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-13-232194-5 (9780132321945)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Content
Part I Foundations of American Democracy
1 APPROACHING DEMOCRACY
Case Study: Si Se Puede-"It Can Be Done"
Introduction: Democracy as an Evolutionary Process
Forming a Picture of Democracy
The Roots of Democracy
The Ideals of Democracy
The Elements of Democracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
2 THE FOUNDING AND THE CONSTITUTION
Case Study: The Senate Almost "Goes Nuclear"
Introduction: The Road to Democracy
The Seeds of American Democracy
First Moves Toward a Union
Rebellion: Causes and Consequences
Revolution and the Stirrings of a New Government
The First New Government: A Confederation of States
The Need for a More Perfect Union
The Constitutional Convention
The Miracle: Results of the Convention
Ratification: The Battle for the Constitution
Updating the Constitution
The Gettysburg Address and America's Approach to Democracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
The Constitution of the United States
3 FEDERALISM
Case Study: From Wheat to Weed
Introduction: Federalism and Democracy
Federalism Defined
Federalism in the Constitution
The Division of Powers
The Development of Federalism
Balancing Federal-State Relations: Policy Innovation and Protecting Rights
Presidents and Federalism
The Rehnquist Court and the Future
of Federalism
Federalism and Approaching Democracy
In the 21st Century
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy From Cesar Chavez to Antonio Villaraigosa 000
Part II Institutions of American Democracy
4 CONGRESS
Case Study: Negotiating the Legislative Labyrinth
Introduction: Congress and Democracy
The Structure and Powers of Congress
The Members of Congress
How Congress Organizes Itself
Congress in Session
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Additional Functions of Congress
The "Republican Revolution of 1994" and Beyond?
Congress Toward the 2006 Election
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
5 THE PRESIDENCY
Case Study: The Bush Presidency at Second Term
Introduction: The Presidency and Democracy
The Constitutional Design
The Functional Roles of the President
Two Views of Executive Power
Expanding Presidential Power: Moving Beyond the Constitution
The Institutionalized Presidency
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
6 THE JUDICIARY
Case Study: Changing of the Guard
Introduction: The Courts and Democracy
The Origins and Development of Judicial Power
The Organization of the American Court System
Court Appointments: The Process
and the Politics
How the Supreme Court Operates
Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions
Implementing Supreme Court Decisions
The Court's Independence in Approaching Democracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
7 THE BUREAUCRACY
Case Study: The Department of Homeland Security and the War on Terrorism
Introduction: Bureaucracy and Democracy
Background on the Bureaucracy
Meet the Bureaucracy
Bureaucratic Accountability
What the Public Thinks of the Bureaucracy
Reforming the Bureaucracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy Presidential Wars, Crises and their Challenge to Democracy 000
Part III Process of American Democracy
8 PUBLIC OPINION
Case Study: Landon Defeats Roosevelt
Introduction: Public Opinion and Democracy
What Is Public Opinion?
Measuring Public Opinion
Political Socialization
Social Variables that Influence Opinion Formation
American Political Culture
The State of American Public Opinion
From Public Opinion to Public Policy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
9 POLITICAL PARTIES
Case Study: Evangelicals and the 2004 Election
Introduction: Political Parties and Democracy
A Brief History of the American Party System
"Red v. Blue": The Current Balanced Political Party System
Functions of American Political Parties
Party Organization
Nominating a President:
Parties and Elections
Why a Two-Party System?
Minor Parties
The Party in Government
Political Parties Toward the 2008 Election
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
10 PARTICIPATION, VOTING, AND ELECTIONS
Case Study: The Motor-Voter Law, 1995-2006
Introduction: Political Participation
and Democracy
Who Participates?
A Brief History of Voting in the United States
Voting
Voting Choice
Other Forms of Political Participation
Congressional Elections
Presidential Elections
Money and Elections
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
11 INTEREST GROUPS
Case Study: Supreme Cyber-Battle
Introduction: Interest Groups and Democracy
Interest Groups: A Tradition in American Politics
Functions of Interest Groups
Types of Interest Groups
Characteristics of Interest Groups
Interest Group Strategies
Political Action Committees
Regulation of Interest Groups
Assessing the Impact of Interest Groups
Growth of the Evangelical Christian Lobbying Movement
Lobbying in the 21st Century
Toward the 2006 Election: Interest Groups and 527s
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
12 THE MEDIA
Case Study: A New Web of Influence: Bloggers Rewrite the Rules of Journalism
Introduction: The Media and Democracy
The Emergence of the Media
Functions of the Media
Limits on Media Freedom
Ideological Bias and Media Control
The Media and Elections
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy Straddling the Red State/Blue State Divide 000
Part IV Liberties and Rights in American Democracy
13 CIVIL LIBERTIES
Case Study: Reconsidering the Patriot Act
Introduction: Civil Liberties and Democracy
Defining and Examining Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
The Dawn of Civil Liberties and Civil Rights in America
A History of the Application of Civil Liberties to the States
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of the Press
The Rights of Defendants
The Expanding Nature of Implied Rights
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
14 CIVIL RIGHTS AND POLITICAL EQUALITY
Case Study: Divided We Stand: Whither Affirmative Action?
Introduction: Civil Rights and Democracy
Establishing Constitutional Equality
Creating Legal Segregation
Establishing Legal Equality
The Civil Rights Movement
Affirmative Action
Women's Rights
Civil Rights and Other Minorities
Emerging Minority Groups Seek Prominence
Civil Rights and the War on Terrorism
Civil Rights and Approaching Democracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy Minority Rights and Civil Liberties in America 000
Part V Policy Making in American Democracy
15 DOMESTIC AND ECONOMIC POLICY
Case Study: "The First Major Achievement of a New Era"
Introduction: Public and Economic Policy and Democracy
The Policy-Making Process
Getting onto the Public Agenda
Regulatory Policy
Social Welfare Policy
Economic Policy
The Goals of Economic Policy
The Politics of the Federal Budget
Taxing
Spending
The Politics of International Economic Policy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
16 FOREIGN POLICY
Case Study: From Operation Enduring Freedom to Operation Iraqi Freedom
Introduction: Foreign Policy and Democracy
An Overview of American Foreign Policy
The Constitution and Foreign Policy
The Foreign Policy Bureaucracy
Democratic Checks on Foreign Policy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy Living on Alert Since 9/11 000
Part VI Texas Politics
Chapter 17 The Social and Economic Milieu of Texas Politics
Case Study
Decades of Change and Challenge
The Political Culture of Texas
Texas Myths
The People of Texas
Politics, Race, and Ethnicity
The Political Implications of Demographics
The Economy of Texas
Economic Regions of Texas
Transnational Regionalism
Summary /Key Terms / Suggested Readings
Chapter 18 The Texas Constitution
Case Study
The Constitutional Legacy
General Principles of the Texas Constitution
Weaknesses and Criticisms of the Constitution of 1876
Constitutional Change and Adaptation
Constitutional Restraints and the Ability to Govern
Summary /Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 19 Interest Groups, Political Parties, and Elections in Texas
Case Study
The Power of Interest Groups
Pluralism or Elitism?
Dominant Interest Groups in Texas
The Development of a Two-Party System in Texas
Changing Patterns of Party Support and Identification
The Party Organization
Parties and Government
Minorities and Political Participation
Political Gains by Minorities and Women
Elections in Texas
Campaign Finances
Summary /Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 20 The Texas Legislature
Case Study
The Texas Legislature: A Time of Change
Legislative Functions
Institutionalization of the Texas Legislature
The Organization and Composition of the Texas Legislature
Representation and Redistricting
Legislative Leadership
The Committee System
Rules and Procedures
The Emerging Party System
Other Legislative Caucuses
Legislators and Their Constituents
Legislative Decision Making
The Development of Legislative Staff
Legislative Ethics and Reforms
Summary /Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 21 The Texas Executive and Bureaucracy
Case Study
A Fragmented Government
The Structure of the Plural Executive
The Governor
Other Offices of the Executive Branch
Elected Boards and Commissions
The Texas Bureaucracy
The Growth of Government in Texas
Bureaucrats and Public Policy
Strategies for Controlling the Bureaucracy
Summary /Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 22 The Texas Judiciary
Case Study
The Power of the Courts in Texas
The State Courts in the Federal System
The Legal Framework of the Judicial System
The Structure of the Texas Court System
The Jury System
Judicial Procedures and Decision Making
Judicial Concerns and Controversies
Crime and Punishment
The Politics of Criminal Justice
Increased Policy Role of the State Courts
Summary / Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 23 Local Government in Texas: Cities, Towns, Counties, and Special Districts
Case Study
The Legacy of Local Government
Local Governments in the Texas Political System
Municipal Government in Texas
Forms of City Government in Texas
Municipal Election Systems
City Revenues and Expenditures
Urban Problems in Texas
County Government in Texas
Criticisms of County Government
Special Districts in Texas
Independent School Districts
Councils of Government
Solutions to the Problems of Local Government
Summary / Key Terms /Suggested Readings
1 APPROACHING DEMOCRACY
Case Study: Si Se Puede-"It Can Be Done"
Introduction: Democracy as an Evolutionary Process
Forming a Picture of Democracy
The Roots of Democracy
The Ideals of Democracy
The Elements of Democracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
2 THE FOUNDING AND THE CONSTITUTION
Case Study: The Senate Almost "Goes Nuclear"
Introduction: The Road to Democracy
The Seeds of American Democracy
First Moves Toward a Union
Rebellion: Causes and Consequences
Revolution and the Stirrings of a New Government
The First New Government: A Confederation of States
The Need for a More Perfect Union
The Constitutional Convention
The Miracle: Results of the Convention
Ratification: The Battle for the Constitution
Updating the Constitution
The Gettysburg Address and America's Approach to Democracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
The Constitution of the United States
3 FEDERALISM
Case Study: From Wheat to Weed
Introduction: Federalism and Democracy
Federalism Defined
Federalism in the Constitution
The Division of Powers
The Development of Federalism
Balancing Federal-State Relations: Policy Innovation and Protecting Rights
Presidents and Federalism
The Rehnquist Court and the Future
of Federalism
Federalism and Approaching Democracy
In the 21st Century
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy From Cesar Chavez to Antonio Villaraigosa 000
Part II Institutions of American Democracy
4 CONGRESS
Case Study: Negotiating the Legislative Labyrinth
Introduction: Congress and Democracy
The Structure and Powers of Congress
The Members of Congress
How Congress Organizes Itself
Congress in Session
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Additional Functions of Congress
The "Republican Revolution of 1994" and Beyond?
Congress Toward the 2006 Election
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
5 THE PRESIDENCY
Case Study: The Bush Presidency at Second Term
Introduction: The Presidency and Democracy
The Constitutional Design
The Functional Roles of the President
Two Views of Executive Power
Expanding Presidential Power: Moving Beyond the Constitution
The Institutionalized Presidency
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
6 THE JUDICIARY
Case Study: Changing of the Guard
Introduction: The Courts and Democracy
The Origins and Development of Judicial Power
The Organization of the American Court System
Court Appointments: The Process
and the Politics
How the Supreme Court Operates
Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions
Implementing Supreme Court Decisions
The Court's Independence in Approaching Democracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
7 THE BUREAUCRACY
Case Study: The Department of Homeland Security and the War on Terrorism
Introduction: Bureaucracy and Democracy
Background on the Bureaucracy
Meet the Bureaucracy
Bureaucratic Accountability
What the Public Thinks of the Bureaucracy
Reforming the Bureaucracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy Presidential Wars, Crises and their Challenge to Democracy 000
Part III Process of American Democracy
8 PUBLIC OPINION
Case Study: Landon Defeats Roosevelt
Introduction: Public Opinion and Democracy
What Is Public Opinion?
Measuring Public Opinion
Political Socialization
Social Variables that Influence Opinion Formation
American Political Culture
The State of American Public Opinion
From Public Opinion to Public Policy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
9 POLITICAL PARTIES
Case Study: Evangelicals and the 2004 Election
Introduction: Political Parties and Democracy
A Brief History of the American Party System
"Red v. Blue": The Current Balanced Political Party System
Functions of American Political Parties
Party Organization
Nominating a President:
Parties and Elections
Why a Two-Party System?
Minor Parties
The Party in Government
Political Parties Toward the 2008 Election
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
10 PARTICIPATION, VOTING, AND ELECTIONS
Case Study: The Motor-Voter Law, 1995-2006
Introduction: Political Participation
and Democracy
Who Participates?
A Brief History of Voting in the United States
Voting
Voting Choice
Other Forms of Political Participation
Congressional Elections
Presidential Elections
Money and Elections
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
11 INTEREST GROUPS
Case Study: Supreme Cyber-Battle
Introduction: Interest Groups and Democracy
Interest Groups: A Tradition in American Politics
Functions of Interest Groups
Types of Interest Groups
Characteristics of Interest Groups
Interest Group Strategies
Political Action Committees
Regulation of Interest Groups
Assessing the Impact of Interest Groups
Growth of the Evangelical Christian Lobbying Movement
Lobbying in the 21st Century
Toward the 2006 Election: Interest Groups and 527s
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
12 THE MEDIA
Case Study: A New Web of Influence: Bloggers Rewrite the Rules of Journalism
Introduction: The Media and Democracy
The Emergence of the Media
Functions of the Media
Limits on Media Freedom
Ideological Bias and Media Control
The Media and Elections
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy Straddling the Red State/Blue State Divide 000
Part IV Liberties and Rights in American Democracy
13 CIVIL LIBERTIES
Case Study: Reconsidering the Patriot Act
Introduction: Civil Liberties and Democracy
Defining and Examining Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
The Dawn of Civil Liberties and Civil Rights in America
A History of the Application of Civil Liberties to the States
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of the Press
The Rights of Defendants
The Expanding Nature of Implied Rights
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
14 CIVIL RIGHTS AND POLITICAL EQUALITY
Case Study: Divided We Stand: Whither Affirmative Action?
Introduction: Civil Rights and Democracy
Establishing Constitutional Equality
Creating Legal Segregation
Establishing Legal Equality
The Civil Rights Movement
Affirmative Action
Women's Rights
Civil Rights and Other Minorities
Emerging Minority Groups Seek Prominence
Civil Rights and the War on Terrorism
Civil Rights and Approaching Democracy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy Minority Rights and Civil Liberties in America 000
Part V Policy Making in American Democracy
15 DOMESTIC AND ECONOMIC POLICY
Case Study: "The First Major Achievement of a New Era"
Introduction: Public and Economic Policy and Democracy
The Policy-Making Process
Getting onto the Public Agenda
Regulatory Policy
Social Welfare Policy
Economic Policy
The Goals of Economic Policy
The Politics of the Federal Budget
Taxing
Spending
The Politics of International Economic Policy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
16 FOREIGN POLICY
Case Study: From Operation Enduring Freedom to Operation Iraqi Freedom
Introduction: Foreign Policy and Democracy
An Overview of American Foreign Policy
The Constitution and Foreign Policy
The Foreign Policy Bureaucracy
Democratic Checks on Foreign Policy
Summary
Review Questions
Key Terms
Suggested Readings
Visualizing Democracy Living on Alert Since 9/11 000
Part VI Texas Politics
Chapter 17 The Social and Economic Milieu of Texas Politics
Case Study
Decades of Change and Challenge
The Political Culture of Texas
Texas Myths
The People of Texas
Politics, Race, and Ethnicity
The Political Implications of Demographics
The Economy of Texas
Economic Regions of Texas
Transnational Regionalism
Summary /Key Terms / Suggested Readings
Chapter 18 The Texas Constitution
Case Study
The Constitutional Legacy
General Principles of the Texas Constitution
Weaknesses and Criticisms of the Constitution of 1876
Constitutional Change and Adaptation
Constitutional Restraints and the Ability to Govern
Summary /Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 19 Interest Groups, Political Parties, and Elections in Texas
Case Study
The Power of Interest Groups
Pluralism or Elitism?
Dominant Interest Groups in Texas
The Development of a Two-Party System in Texas
Changing Patterns of Party Support and Identification
The Party Organization
Parties and Government
Minorities and Political Participation
Political Gains by Minorities and Women
Elections in Texas
Campaign Finances
Summary /Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 20 The Texas Legislature
Case Study
The Texas Legislature: A Time of Change
Legislative Functions
Institutionalization of the Texas Legislature
The Organization and Composition of the Texas Legislature
Representation and Redistricting
Legislative Leadership
The Committee System
Rules and Procedures
The Emerging Party System
Other Legislative Caucuses
Legislators and Their Constituents
Legislative Decision Making
The Development of Legislative Staff
Legislative Ethics and Reforms
Summary /Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 21 The Texas Executive and Bureaucracy
Case Study
A Fragmented Government
The Structure of the Plural Executive
The Governor
Other Offices of the Executive Branch
Elected Boards and Commissions
The Texas Bureaucracy
The Growth of Government in Texas
Bureaucrats and Public Policy
Strategies for Controlling the Bureaucracy
Summary /Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 22 The Texas Judiciary
Case Study
The Power of the Courts in Texas
The State Courts in the Federal System
The Legal Framework of the Judicial System
The Structure of the Texas Court System
The Jury System
Judicial Procedures and Decision Making
Judicial Concerns and Controversies
Crime and Punishment
The Politics of Criminal Justice
Increased Policy Role of the State Courts
Summary / Key Terms /Suggested Readings
Chapter 23 Local Government in Texas: Cities, Towns, Counties, and Special Districts
Case Study
The Legacy of Local Government
Local Governments in the Texas Political System
Municipal Government in Texas
Forms of City Government in Texas
Municipal Election Systems
City Revenues and Expenditures
Urban Problems in Texas
County Government in Texas
Criticisms of County Government
Special Districts in Texas
Independent School Districts
Councils of Government
Solutions to the Problems of Local Government
Summary / Key Terms /Suggested Readings