Understanding American Government

Susan Welch, John Gruhl, John Comer, Susan Rigdon

Cengage Learning, Jan 27, 2009 - Political Science - 720 pages

UNDERSTANDING AMERICAN GOVERNMENT is highly respected and trusted for its attention to research and issues of diversity, as well as for its award-winning team of authors. While covering the foundations and features of American government, this text also moves beyond the nuts and bolts to explain why and how important features of government have evolved, their impact on government and individuals, and why these features are controversial (if they are) and worth learning. More than just narrating facts and current issues, UNDERSTANDING AMERICAN GOVERNMENT leaves students with an understanding of the why, so their knowledge can be applied long after the course is completed. UNDERSTANDING AMERICAN GOVERNMENT is a three-time winner of the American Government Textbook Award for the Best Treatment of Women in Politics, by the Women's Caucus for Political Science.
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About the author

Susan Welch received her AB and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is currently Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Professor of Political Science at The Pennsylvania State University. Her teaching and research areas include legislatures, urban politics, and women and minorities in politics. She publishes widely on issues of race, gender, and urban politics. John Gruhl, Professor of Political Science, received his AB from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and his PhD from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Since joining the University of Nebraska faculty in 1976, he has taught and done research in the areas of judicial process, criminal justice, and civil rights and liberties. He holds campus- and university-wide distinguished teaching awards for excellence in undergraduate teaching and became a charter member of the university's Academy of Distinguished Teachers. John Comer is Professor of Political Science at the University of Nebraska. He received his AB in political science from Miami University in 1965 and his PhD from The Ohio State University in 1971. His teaching and research focuses on interest groups, public opinion, voting behavior, and political parties. Susan M. Rigdon received AB and PhD degrees in political science from the University of Illinois in 1966 and 1971, respectively. While focusing her teaching on comparative politics and international relations, she has also taught American government courses at several universities in the United States and China. Her research interests include culture and politics, security policy, and poverty and development. She is a Research Associate in Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Understanding American Government
• Authors: Susan Welch, John Gruhl, John Comer, Susan Rigdon
• Edition: 12, revised
• Publisher: Cengage Learning, 2009
• ISBN: 0495568392, 9780495568391
• Length: 720 pages
• Subjects: Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General; Political Science / Civics & Citizenship; Political Science / General