The Basics of American Politics
18th Edition
Published on 24. February 2026
350 pages
978-1-040-59846-7 (ISBN)
Description
Lively and straightforward, The Basics of American Politics offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government.
Throughout the nine chapters, Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer engage readers in a complex "game" where government institutions and political players follow Constitutional and other rules to gain power. The Basics reviews the original purpose, history and current performance of our democratic system and emphasizes the importance of civic trust in the political culture. A comprehensive yet compact set of features-including "Spotlight On," "A Closer Look," and "Case Study" boxes; chapter wrap-ups, Thought Questions, Learn the Terms glossary entries, and Suggested Readings-keep students engaged and offer professors easy "launching pads" into timely topics beyond the basic text.
This affordable text is ideal for introductory courses on American government.
Throughout the nine chapters, Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer engage readers in a complex "game" where government institutions and political players follow Constitutional and other rules to gain power. The Basics reviews the original purpose, history and current performance of our democratic system and emphasizes the importance of civic trust in the political culture. A comprehensive yet compact set of features-including "Spotlight On," "A Closer Look," and "Case Study" boxes; chapter wrap-ups, Thought Questions, Learn the Terms glossary entries, and Suggested Readings-keep students engaged and offer professors easy "launching pads" into timely topics beyond the basic text.
This affordable text is ideal for introductory courses on American government.
Reviews / Votes
The textbook is accessible, readable, engaging, and the price is perfect for our community college students. The case studies are well-written and students enjoy discussing them in class and on their discussion boards.Kathryn H. Edwards, Ashland Community and Technical College, Kentucky, USA
Praise for The Basics of American Politics, 17th edition
Wasserman and Fullmer have updated a classic American politics introductory textbook and made it as relevant as today's headlines. It introduces key concepts, and just as importantly, it asks students to use these concepts to consider the important issues involved in promoting and defending constitutional democratic governance. Its writing is crisp, its pedagogy helpful, and its coverage authoritative. For almost half a century this book has set the standard for accessible introductory texts, and this edition raises the bar.
Richard M. Pious, Barnard College and Columbia University, New York, USA
More details
Edition
18th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
4 Tables, color; 23 Line drawings, color; 34 Halftones, color; 57 Illustrations, color
File size
12,05 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-59846-7 (9781040598467)
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
Other editions
Additional editions
Gary Wasserman | Elliott Fullmer
The Basics of American Politics
Book
approx. 02/2026
18th Edition
Routledge
€215.77
Not yet published
Gary Wasserman | Elliott Fullmer
The Basics of American Politics
Book
approx. 02/2026
18th Edition
Routledge
€52.50
Not yet published
Persons
Gary Wasserman has shaped a career in teaching, public service, political consulting, and writing. He recently wrote The Doha Experiment about his eight years as a Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar. He now lives in Portland, Oregon.
Elliott Fullmer is Professor of Political Science at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. He is the author of two other recent books, Tuesday's Gone: America's Early Voting Revolution and Everyone's Democracy. His research on elections and voting behavior has also appeared in Presidential Studies Quarterly, American Politics Research, Election Law Journal, and other outlets.
Elliott Fullmer is Professor of Political Science at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. He is the author of two other recent books, Tuesday's Gone: America's Early Voting Revolution and Everyone's Democracy. His research on elections and voting behavior has also appeared in Presidential Studies Quarterly, American Politics Research, Election Law Journal, and other outlets.
Content
1. What Is Politics? 2. The Constitution: Rules of the Game 3. The Executive Branch: The Presidency and Bureaucracy 4. The Legislative Branch: Congress 5. The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court and the Federal Court System 6. Civil Rights and Liberties: Protecting the Players 7. Voters and Political Parties 8. Interest Groups and the Media 9. Who Wins, Who Loses.: Pluralism, Elitism, and Tribalism
