United States Government: Our Democracy allows students to master an understanding of the structure, function, and powers of government at all levels. There is a very broad selection of examples relating to variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds--the Civil Rights chapter is a good example. And the conclusion of each chapter follows a common format including key terms definitions, summaries of each subchapter, about twenty multiple choice and essay questions, and a list of suggested readings for further study. This is a slightly difficult area to comment on. Chapter three necessitates a revision in order to re-create its relevance. The Greeks are often credited with pioneering a . But at the mass level most Tea Party identifiers are Republicans, and in Congress the vast majority of Tea Party sympathizers (perhaps all) are Republicans. Google Apps. The text will be accessible to students. . For example, Chapter 1, Section 3 has a discussion on civic engagement along with colorful graphs and data pertaining to 18-29 yr olds and their political participation. The Constitution of the United States | National Archives In reviewing the table of contents, I found the book has a logical flow that begins with defining what government is and then proceeds to provide information on the critical subjects of our American Government by Glenn Krutz covers a lot of ground. read more. I didnt have any difficulty navigating the book. Yes, the topics are presented in logical and clear fashion. PDF REVIEWING THE CHAPTER CHAPTER FOCUS - Cengage There are also some advantages to this textbook, including clarity of the writing and various appendixes that include the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Federalist 10 and 51 right in the book. But thats ok! by Richard C. Remy. American Government - 3e - Open Textbook Library This text covers nearly all of the major topics covered in American Government texts. The supplementary material within each chapter/section like Finding Middle Ground and Milestone can be an effective tool for the instructor to use for additional student engagement or an activity as such go deeper into a particular concept than mere text can. textbooks Openlibrary_work OL2298885W . Included is a Power Point and outlined note packet that is used to introduce the origins of government for a high school American Government course. Relevant archival documents and photos add to the appeal. I found it especially comprehensive in its coverage of civil rights, voter registration and turnout, and the concluding policy chapters. The book's content is accurate. The book is clearly and accessible written. But I would rather have it smaller so I New Blasts are being added regularly; Spanish language Blasts are also included. This is a very impressive work, and I will most certainly adopt this book. I liked the Supreme Court and Electoral College Appendices, very nice additions beyond the usual set of founding documents. The relevance of content is a real strength of this text. This book is easy to divide into chapters or sections that make sense for the progression of the semester. The text being published in 2016, there are several locations that need to be updated. The book is up to date and has most of the usual citations one would expect of an Introduction to American Government text. Furthermore, it also includes chapters on linkage institutions like parties, interest groups, and the media. Sections open with learning objectives that tell students the 2-5 most important things to take away from that reading, and quiz questions populate the text at the end of sections to help students self assess their understanding of the reading. Some texts may cover only one additional chapter other than the basic chapters one would expect. Rousseau more clearly articulated the concept of Social Contract, borrowed from Locke. As I have shared, I suggest fewer "Note" features within the already long paragraphs of content, and in fact a tightening as well of the length of the reading text. Before joining OU, he served on the faculty of Arizona State University and helped run two large-scale National Science Foundation projects as a doctoral student at Texas A&M University. 4. Delivering Collective Action: Formal Institutions 5. Of course since a key feature of this book is to present a considerable amount of material that combines theory and application and stimulate critical thinking, covering the volume of materials given the way it is divided may present a challenge over one semester. These add up quickly and at times break up material where paragraphs or explanations would benefit from remaining connected. The modularity is effective, though the order of the contents is the order I've been using for years, so I wouldn't have to make any changes.. All of the topics you would expect to be covered in an American government 101 course are here: origins of our republic, institutions, individual action and collective action. It is arranged in such a way that updates will be easy to implement. 1. Ways to Participate in Our Democracy 59. An example is found in Chapter 13, Section 4 in a visually appealing graphic on the timeline of the Supreme Court justices arriving at the Court. It would be useful to have the endnotes at the end of the chapters. The sections on Native Americans lose their lands and on the rights revolution are too simplistic historically. In my own courses, I am going to make up for this by assigning articles from CQ Researcher. By: Donald A. Ritchie and Richard C. Remy and M. Ed. Students at all levels will have no difficulty with the language used therein. the text covers many inclusive and powerful cases of civil rights from African Americans and the Civil Rights Movement to women's suffrage to Occupy Wall Street. The glossary of terms after each chapter and the illustrations, examples, color pictorials and web links are all critical to the issue of clarity. Question #55 61. The material offered more than meets the appropriate standard for a textbook used in a first or second year course in American Government and Politics. I am not sure about the process of updates though and I suspect that within one or two years the book will need a refresh. I liked the fact that the book had several subsections within each chapter. The way the book is organized makes a lot of sense. Prosper Bernard, Jr., City University of New York, Jennifer Danley-Scott, Texas Womans University, Christopher Lawrence, Middle Georgia State College, Adam Newmark, Appalachian State University, Brooks D. Simpson, Arizona State University, Shawn Williams, Campbellsville University, Rhonda Wrzenski, Indiana University Southeast. Subchapter titles like organizing to govern are a bit confusing. The text also does a better job than most of discussing the importance of Voter Registration in Chapter 7 (Voting and Elections), including coverage of the Voting Rights Act and Shelby County v. Holder (2013). The various appendixes include the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Federalist 10 and 51 and a couple of other items. I really liked that it had information from the 2016 election, as that is interesting to many students. The writing is clear and error-free. I liked this feature very much. I found the textbook culturally sensitive and in no way offensive. But there is never a number or way to identify the image/picture attached to the Figure reference. I found my iPad did not always work well with it. However, each chapter is organized with clear and explicit learning goals and achieves everything you need from an American Government textbook. Charles N. Quigley, Executive DirectorCenter for Civic Education5115 Douglas Fir Road, Suite JCalabasas, CA 91302(818) 591-9321(818) 591-9330 (fax)e-mail: web@civiced.org. The text can easily be divided into modules. Our students love videos---was it a conscious decision not to include video links? To learn about the specific purchase options for this program, please contact our Customer Service team at 800-338-3987. 3. These subjects were covered using terminology that was timely and clear. PDF United states government: our democracy pdf online free - Weebly The reason I say this is because the choice of content is a subjective process in itself and surely there are other content areas that could be added on a particular theme. have even added very impressive policy chapters (domestic and foreign) that you only see on occasion. I did not read the text cover to cover, but it seems largely to be free of grammatical errors. The deeper learning tools like Middle Ground and so forth allow the reader to learn more about a specific concept using a real world application and should provide the instructor with a ready-made activity that will more actively engage the student be it in an online or seated class. In his haste to laud American democracy as a good, if evolving, system, the author sometimes fails to recognize critical perspectives, or interpret them as straw-men. For students looking to identify key terms, this bolding does feel mightily inconsistent. Overall it is a bit smaller in word count than a traditional hard copy textbook and some of the chapters are smaller than I would like. With this objective in mind, the content of this textbook has been developed and arranged to provide a logical progression from the fundamental principles of institutional design at the founding, to avenues of political participation, to thorough coverage of the political structures that constitute American government. By avoiding the topics and the conversations, the text is not allowing students to civically engage in discussions and learning. I see no reason why that would be different with this text. By reorganizing the information contained in the chapters, it will be easier for the reader to follow the data if it is in a table format. The organization and structure are good. The text covers all areas that one would expect from an introduction to American Government textbook. 11th Amendment: Grants states immunity from outside lawsuits, 1795. . font-family: ProximaNova,Helvetica Neue,Arial,Noto Sans,Liberation Sans,sans-serif,Apple Color Emoji,Segoe UI Emoji,Segoe UI Symbol,Noto Color Emoji !important; More than other textbooks I have used or read the framework of this textbook is more attuned to my style of teaching and presentation of material. Some of the information in it is five years old and the writing does not explore clearly the theory of federalism and its evolution. However, when I went over each chapter in detail I realized that there is no consistency throughout the textbook regarding the film selection. This text could very easily replace the book I have used The textbook is very comprehensive with more than 650 pages of content plus appendices with relevant documents. Those considering a new adaption for the introduction to American Government class would do well to give Kurtz et. Concerns: Textbook lacks yearly/semester pacing guide, limited ability to edit teacher resources . Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 20. Uses current issues as examples of concepts. In terms of content, the textbook has all the chapters one normally expects from an introductory American Government textbook. Democratic backsliding in the United States is no longer a matter of speculative concern. Chapters six and seven are uncharacteristic. ), does a bit better job of using a small number of key concepts transaction costs, conformity costs, free riding, the prisoners dilemma, etc. I wish the footnotes included links back to main text. Overall I find the writing to be at an appropriate level for first-year college students. At that meeting the establishment of the International Union of American Republics was approved. Examples used are inclusive of a variety of races, ethnicities, and gender. United States Government; Our Democracy, c 2018, 9780076681136 Reviewed by Eileen Feldman, Instructor, Bunker Hill Community College on 11/20/20, This text, American Government 2e by Krutz and Waskiewicz, covers all areas and ideas of the subject appropriately beginning with the origins of each political construct, through its evolution in America, and trends into the future. Might be using this text in the spring of 2020, Reviewed by Amedee George, Professor, SUNO on 4/23/19, The chapters in the Kurtz et al e-book covers all relevant chapters of American Government and even offers chapters on Foreign policy, Domestic policy and State and Local government. GOVERNMENT Arms War It's a long-standing debate. Uses contemporary examples, but not in depth cases that may be needed in higher level courses. Everything seems consistently written and well-integrated. Facilitate mastery of complex principles with dynamic digital tools. Inquiry Journal:This interactive print worktext is built around essential questions and permits students to develop their inquiry skills using analysis, primary sources, and evidence-based writing. In this textbook, you will find a built-in structure that helps you identify the key concept in every lesson and see it in action. Some chapters have one; others dont. There are a couple other places in the text where this is noticeable. Understanding Economics. The text is also 100% iPad compatible. This is somewhat backwards to how I teach the course in my mind. I have not found inconsistencies in the use of concepts. The book certainly has all of the topics expected of an Introduction to American Government text. As an On the other hand, on the divisive topic of LGBT rights, the discussion is pretty even-handed, adopting what is certainly the modal vocabulary of political science regarding these complex issues. AP United States Government and Politics - College Board Your textbook makes no mention of Rousseau. Examples depicting the new terms are plentiful. Chapter 8 on the Media is the best chapter I've seen on that subject. Democracy is a term that derives from the ancient Greek language. p. 176 on Civil Rights for Indigenous Groups). One small issue: I found that I could not order a free 'desk' printed version from the publisher, as is standard for normal texts. He was our longest-serving president and also our best. Reviewed by John Herbert, Instructor, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids, MN on 6/15/19, The material offered more than meets the appropriate standard for a textbook used in a first or second year course in American Government and Politics. Are the media an "it" or a "they?". The material is easily divisible. SyncBlasts:Online SyncBlasts permit teachers to leverage rich, multi-media reading and writing assignments focused on social studies and current event articles. The textbook is written well. In fact, I would critique the text somewhat in the other direction, there are a few points where important related ideas are broken into different subsections. It is a good alternative to expensive textbooks. Defining Democracy 1. This . The book contained appropriate section breaks so that students can jump directly to the relevant subsection. Reviewed by Brian Jones, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Political Science, Northern Virginia Community College on 6/20/17, The comprehensiveness of Krutz's American Government text is such that it more than adequately addresses the curricular requirements of the American government and politics courses offered by the Virginia Community College System. It also includes a chapter on State and Local Government. Americans believed all people (i.e., White males) possessed the rights to life, liberty, and property. It covers most, if not all, of the material that I typically cover in my American Government course and does so in an engaging way. The reading schedule is posted here by week, and the readings themselves can be found in the links below. Some may view this as a benefit, as there is more room for each instructor to add their own "big story" to their courses. This textbook is very comprehensive. Reviewed by Jeremiah Castle, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 8/17/20, An innovative inclusion is that, in addition to the standard chapter on federalism, American Government (2e) also includes a separate chapter (14) on State and Local Governments. The book is actually slightly longer and denser than other texts I have assigned for an introductory course in American American Government is a very comprehensive textbook. and J. D. and Lee Arbetman and Megan L. Hanson and M.S. I really like that a section on state and local government is included. I agree that the content is relevant, and can be easily updated. Below are the modifiedexcerpts that are assigned to you. Milestone Documents | National Archives This textbook is very comprehensive. I only use online textbooks and sources for my classes, but have students who want a hard copy option. Other critical concepts such as "security dilemma" and "domino theory" need to be introduced. The only suggestion that I would make is to include a little bit more political psychology, especially in the chapters on public opinion and the media. Study: US is an oligarchy, not a democracy - BBC News Geared as a unit in t Well-regarded global democracy indexessuch as Freedom House, 2 Varieties of Democracy, 3 and the Economist Intelligence Unit 4all show an erosion of American democracy since 2016. The language is sophisticated throughout the text. The organization and flow of the book is very good. I repeat that the textbook content is well written. Landmark cases and events bring history alive. The text acknowledges multiple perspectives of race, ethnicity, gender, ability and other backgrounds. The framework/layout of each chapter is consistent which is an aid to both the instructor and the reader. Each chapter starts with basic concepts and moves discussion toward topics which need more critical thinking. I really liked the authors writing style. Each requires students to open up these extended opportunities for more information but in my opinion slides into information "overload" dimensions. Building Democracy for All - EdTech Books The first unit of the text ('Students and the System') outlines the necessary historical context without getting too bogged down in general introduction. The cited political science literature is excellent. In this textbook, I was pleased with both. I dont think its as good as hearing from some of the real experts in the field and their approach, and I dont think it would be a good match for some faculty who like to teach from a given perspective. While there's always room to incorporate more diversity, overall the book does a nice job. This is a major issue with political science texts as the students are very focused on the present time, so the texts need to be very current. Comprehensive in terms of concepts and how they related to current ideas. The text is consistent in its use of terminology. Of course the book's "longevity" is not likely to be long just because of the nature of the subject matter. My institution, CUNY, currently has money for instructors to print course packets for students, so it would be possible to print the chapters I want to use and then the students would have a hard copy. Arrive Math (K-8) Achieve3000 Literacy (2-12) C; Achieve3000 Math . Particularly well written is the "Approach to Foreign Policy, p. 650, especially, the "Classic Approach" and the more recent history of U.S. foreign policy. The only suggestion that I would make is to include a little bit more political psychology, especially in the chapters on public opinion and the media. PDF OUR AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - GovInfo There is an additional chapter on State & Local government aside from the chapter on federalism - which offers 334-335). Instructors will have no difficulty omitting certain topics/chapters. The foundational building blocks of the republic that are provided are similar to the last two textbooks I used (We the People & By the People) and for that matter correspond to the textbook I myself used over thirty years ago in my Intro course which I still refer to in the classroom. Each chapter offers an introduction, 3 to 5 written sections covering the topic, key terms, summary, review questions, critical thinking questions, and suggestions for further study. Although I found having a chapter on Bureaucracy toward the end of the textbook unconventional, overall organization of the topics covered in the text are presented in a logical fashion. The is consistent in its use of terminology, and the frameworks that it provides are generally helpful and clear. The text can easily be consumed in small portions without sacrificing a broader understanding of the material. The text offers an accurate synthesis of American political scholarship and is presented in an unbiased manner. It is easily the equal of most other traditional textbooks on the market now. Reviewed by Colin Glennon, Associate Professor, East Tennessee State University on 4/11/19, The book certainly has all of the topics expected of an Introduction to American Government text. This text is VERY detailed in its coverage, which is impressive and surprising given its relative brevity. Reviewed by Robert Asaadi, Instructor, Portland State University on 3/11/20, updated 4/16/20, Thorough coverage of the main thematic areas generally addressed by introductory American Government textbooks. The text is fairly clear but lacks some of the professional editing that I frequently see in pay-to-play textbooks. You can use that resource if you would prefer, but you're responsible for locating the correct excerpts. Furthermore, the textbook has the capacity to undergo straightforward updates, (such as to linked contents, etc.) I found it very appropriate for undergraduates. Political behavior for presidential and mid-term congressional elections should be analyzed independently. However domestic and foreign policy are rushed at the end while lobbyists and other peripheral topics enjoy a more central position. I also think the book does an exceptional job bringing in minorities not traditionally covered in American politics texts (Asian Americans, Native Americans, etc.) Each unit has three to four sub units that can easily be assigned in different readings This is the type of written activities I use in the classroom, specifically teacher driven selected chapter readings. PDF 12th Grade United States Government Scope and Sequence - Washington, D.C. The book follows a relatively consistent framework for presentation throughout. As another example, the description of Adam Smiths views on wealth accumulation is oversimplified and arguably misleading. It is very comprehensive and covers all the necessary information. It provides an effective index as well as a glossary of key terms at the end of each chapter. I wish there were more pictures though to break up the text and to enhance the reading. While things may change quickly in American government, a lot stays the same. This means that the program can easily fit into your curriculum, no matter how high-tech or low-tech your classroom is. I did not notice anything plainly inaccurate. However, clearly, the information in this textbook is presented, in a manner that allows for updating as changing occur with major political events, elections, Supreme Court decisions, demographical data, and public opinion. It includes the entire student text along with a variety of planning and instructional support for the print and digital resources. However, the chapter lengths seem fairly typical for this type of text. It covers all the bases of an Introduction to American Government and then some. Learning goals are explicit and each chapter has a clear structure and consistent features that carry throughout the chapters. American Government is a very comprehensive textbook. The internal structure of individuals chapters is clear and logical. This textbook provides a comprehensive framework for introductory American government. The font is reader-friendly; pages are uncrowded. The text appears to be free from grammatical errors. Language is neutral and seems to avoid leading or biased undertones. The interface is well done. One of the first things that I check when reviewing any textbook is the organization of the information in the table of contents for its structure. Most textbooks for undergraduates in this topic area dont include this topic, and its a welcome addition. Enrollment . United States Government Our Democracy Chapter 1 PDF - BOOK KEG I found no problem with navigating the text. American Government 3e aligns with the topics and objectives of many government courses. Different perspectives of complex issues are presented. For example, while Federalism (Chapter 3) is included in the "Students and the System" section, State and Local Government comes much later in the book (Chapter 14, in the "Formal Institutions" section). Generally, I don't think my critique of the modularity poses a problem for the use of this text. Two points will be commented on here. It does a good job of defining terms used in the text and citing relevant sources. There could be more treatment of the concept of power in the beginning of the book. By comparison, another online textbook on American government (which will remain nameless) had a clear bias from the very first chapter. However, I believe that the chapter on Bureaucracy (Chapter 15) would be better placed after the discussion of the Presidency (Chapter 12). Obviously, fundamental concepts such as the origins of the republic and the founding era need to be at the beginning of the book. It dedicates entire chapters to state and local Well, longevity is a tough matter for this kind of text.