American Government and Politics Today, 19th Student Edition

Bringing chapter concepts to life through engaging examples of politics, politicians and policies in action, the 19th edition is thoroughly revised and updated with coverage of the 2020 primary and general elections, emerging issues and the latest data. Climate change, gun violence and race and gender issues on campus have motivated students to engage in politics in new ways with new energy. This proven text supports their enthusiasm by equipping them with the knowledge and tools for meaningful involvement in the world around them.

Providing real-world context to chapter concepts, all-new "Election 2020" features added to every chapter guide students to think about the ways an election can change American politics or reinforce the status quo. In addition, the 2020 caucuses and primaries and general election are covered throughout the text.

"What if... ?" questions prompt lively classroom discussion and debate as they encourage students to apply critical-thinking skills to current, hypothetical and real-life issues like climate change, online voting, expanded national service and a part-time Congress.

"Beyond Our Borders" features explore a relevant concept from the chapter in an international context, prompting students to consider what we might learn from looking abroad. New content explores migration and immigration, the EU after Brexit, protests in Hong Kong, Finland’s all-female government and public health responses during the global pandemic.

"Politics in Practice" features illustrate how individuals and groups can shape and alter the outcome of events through political engagement. New content highlights Greta Thunberg's climate activism, civil liberties in quarantine and students pushing colleges to "go green" in support of sustainability.

In response to reviewer feedback, the text provides expanded coverage of gender issues throughout, including new material on the record number of women running and winning office in 2018, the women seeking the Democratic nomination for president as well as updated coverage of women's rights and gender equality, gender, race and ethnic discrimination, and the persistent pay gap.

The causes and consequences of political polarization are explored throughout, particularly in Chapters 6, 8 and 10. Voting rights after Shelby v. Holder (2013) and new forms of voter suppression are assessed in Chapters 5 and 9. The text also notes how the COVID-19 pandemic changed so many things in American society and politics: The Supreme Court heard oral arguments by teleconference to complete their term, the House of Representatives voted to allow remote voting for the first time in history, and Congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus package in response to historic unemployment.

Recent court decisions on partisan gerrymandering, sexual harassment, religious freedom, faithless electors and cases involving executive privilege and President Trump are integrated into the appropriate chapters to ensure the book addresses the timeliest political events and topics.

Helping students focus on key content, Learning Objectives open each chapter and highlight the most important concepts and skills. End-of-chapter summaries link back to the Learning Objectives, helping ensure student understanding of key topics. Chapter features extend the learning objectives to include application and synthesis, while clear task verbs direct students to desired outcomes.