Publisher Description

Princeton Readings in American Politics offers an exciting and challenging new way to learn about American politics. It brings together political science that has stood the test of time and recent cutting-edge analyses to acquaint undergraduate and graduate students with the substantive, conceptual, and methodological foundations they need to make sense of American politics today. Princeton Readings in American Politics features writings by such eminent scholars as Larry M. Bartels, Robert Dahl, Martha Derthick, Howard Gillman, Jacob Hacker, Kay L. Schlozman, Deborah Stone, Marta Tienda, and Kent Weaver, among others. The book is organized in sections that cover the major American political institutions--the presidency, Congress, the courts--as well as core topics such as political parties, macroeconomic management, voting and elections, policymaking, public opinion, and federalism. Richard Valelly provides an insightful general introduction to political science as a vibrant form of inquiry, as well as a succinct, informative introduction to each reading.Rigorous yet accessible, Princeton Readings in American Politics can serve as a primary textbook or as a supplement to standard introductory texts. * Offers an exciting new way to learn about American politics * Features accessible scholarship by leading political scientists * Covers all the major topics * Serves as a primary textbook or supplementary reader for undergraduate and graduate students

Notes

Princeton Readings in American Politics embeds the basics in a searching inquiry of who rules America and how the exercise of power satisfies or disappoints our concern for justice. Sophisticated yet accessible, this volume masterfully draws students into a critical examination of self-government. -- Sidney M. Milkis, University of Virginia This is a distinctive collection of readings, a genuine intellectual departure from the usual American politics reader. Those looking for a fresh vision in this venerable field will find it here. -- Christopher H. Achen, Princeton University A superb introduction to American politics, and to the discipline of political science, both rigorous and accessible. -- H. N. Hirsch, Oberlin College Typically, introductory textbooks leave students adrift in a sea of facts and colorful graphics. Valelly has higher ambitions: he wants to help students think rigorously and deeply about American politics. This volume, based on the work of prominent social scientists, will give readers the ability, and desire, to learn more. It seems fitting that a book about power should be so empowering. -- Christopher Howard, College of William and Mary The selection of articles in this reader is simply superb. The readings correspond with the breadth of topics covered in major introductory textbooks, and will generate much discussion and insight. This book offers a wonderfully fulfilling opportunity to think about the richer implications of our system of government. -- Andrea Campbell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology This reader is a terrific idea. By showcasing political scientists at work and in conversation with each other, and by aiming consistently at the big questions of power--how it's organized and to what ends--this compilation draws student' interest to the normative tensions, the real dissonances, and thus the serious challenges of American politics. -- Nicole Mellow, Williams College

Back Cover

" Princeton Readings in American Politics embeds the basics in a searching inquiry of who rules America and how the exercise of power satisfies or disappoints our concern for justice. Sophisticated yet accessible, this volume masterfully draws students into a critical examination of self-government." --Sidney M. Milkis, University of Virginia "This is a distinctive collection of readings, a genuine intellectual departure from the usual American politics reader. Those looking for a fresh vision in this venerable field will find it here." --Christopher H. Achen, Princeton University "A superb introduction to American politics, and to the discipline of political science, both rigorous and accessible." --H. N. Hirsch, Oberlin College "Typically, introductory textbooks leave students adrift in a sea of facts and colorful graphics. Valelly has higher ambitions: he wants to help students think rigorously and deeply about American politics. This volume, based on the work of prominent social scientists, will give readers the ability, and desire, to learn more. It seems fitting that a book about power should be so empowering." --Christopher Howard, College of William and Mary "The selection of articles in this reader is simply superb. The readings correspond with the breadth of topics covered in major introductory textbooks, and will generate much discussion and insight. This book offers a wonderfully fulfilling opportunity to think about the richer implications of our system of government." --Andrea Campbell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology "This reader is a terrific idea. By showcasing political scientists at work and in conversation with each other, and by aiming consistently at the big questions of power--how it's organized and to what ends--this compilation draws student' interest to the normative tensions, the real dissonances, and thus the serious challenges of American politics." --Nicole Mellow, Williams College

Flap

" Princeton Readings in American Politics embeds the basics in a searching inquiry of who rules America and how the exercise of power satisfies or disappoints our concern for justice. Sophisticated yet accessible, this volume masterfully draws students into a critical examination of self-government."-- Sidney M. Milkis, University of Virginia "This is a distinctive collection of readings, a genuine intellectual departure from the usual American politics reader. Those looking for a fresh vision in this venerable field will find it here."-- Christopher H. Achen, Princeton University "A superb introduction to American politics, and to the discipline of political science, both rigorous and accessible."-- H. N. Hirsch, Oberlin College "Typically, introductory textbooks leave students adrift in a sea of facts and colorful graphics. Valelly has higher ambitions: he wants to help students think rigorously and deeply about American politics. This volume, based on the work of prominent social scientists, will give readers the ability, and desire, to learn more. It seems fitting that a book about power should be so empowering."-- Christopher Howard, College of William and Mary "The selection of articles in this reader is simply superb. The readings correspond with the breadth of topics covered in major introductory textbooks, and will generate much discussion and insight. This book offers a wonderfully fulfilling opportunity to think about the richer implications of our system of government."-- Andrea Campbell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology "This reader is a terrific idea. By showcasing political scientists at work and in conversation with each other, and by aiming consistently at the big questions of power--how it's organized and to what ends--this compilation draws student' interest to the normative tensions, the real dissonances, and thus the serious challenges of American politics."-- Nicole Mellow, Williams College

Author Biography

Richard M. Valelly is the Claude C. Smith '14 Professor of Political Science at Swarthmore College. He is the author of the prizewinning The Two Reconstructions: The Struggle for Black Enfranchisement.

Table of Contents

A New Kind of Introduction to American Politics 1 SECTION 1. Who Governs? Chapter 1. Robert A. Dahl, "A Critique of the Ruling Elite Model" 17 Chapter 2. Murray Edelman, "Symbolism in Politics" 24 Chapter 3. Deborah A. Stone, "Causal Stories and the Formation of Policy Agendas" 34 Chapter 4. Paul Pierson, "When Effect Becomes Cause: Policy Feedback and Political Change" 51 SECTION 2. Constitutionalism and the Separation of Powers Chapter 5. Michael J. Klarman, "What's So Great About Constitutionalism?" 81 Chapter 6. Rick Valelly, "An Overlooked Theory on Presidential Politics" 124 Chapter 7. Michael Nelson, "The Curse of the Vice-Presidency" 129 Chapter 8. David R. Mayhew, "Legislation" 136 Chapter 9. Paul Burstein, "Is Congress Really for Sale?" 164 Chapter 10. Howard Gillman, "Judicial Independence Through the Lens of Bush v. Gore: Four Lessons from Political Science" 172 Chapter 11. Gerald N. Rosenberg, "Judicial Independence and the Reality of Political Power" 186 Chapter 12. Martha Derthick, "The Enduring Features of American Federalism" 206 Chapter 13. Jack L. Walker, "The Diffusion of Innovations among the American States" 212 SECTION 3. Governance and Public Policy Chapter 14. Joseph Stiglitz, "Central Banking in a Democratic Society" 243 Chapter 15. R. Kent Weaver, "The Politics of Blame Avoidance" 268 Chapter 16. Jacob S. Hacker, "Privatizing Risk without Privatizing the Welfare State: The Hidden Politics of Social Policy Retrenchment in the United States" 291 SECTION 4. Pub lic Op inion and Its Roles Chapter 17. Paul Burstein, "The Impact of Public Opinion on Public Policy: A Review and an Agenda" 325 Chapter 18. Sidney Verba, "The Citizen as Respondent: Sample Surveys and American Democracy" 346 Chapter 19. Donald R. Kinder and Don Herzog, "Democratic Discussion" 358 Chapter 20. John R. Zaller, "Monica Lewinsky's Contribution to Political Science" 380 SECTION 5. Forming Group s Chapter 21. John Mark Hansen, "The Political Economy of Group Membership" 395 SECTION 6. Elections Chapter 22. Larry M. Bartels, "Electoral Continuity and Change, 1868-1996" 421 Chapter 23. Michael P. McDonald, "The Turnout Rate Among Eligible Voters in the States, 1980-2000" 447 Chapter 24. Barbara Norrander, "The Evolution of the Gender Gap" 460 Chapter 25. Matthew Soberg Shugart, "The American Process of Selecting a President: A Comparative Perspective" 468 Chapter 26. Kay Lehman Schlozman and Sidney Verba, "Sending Them a Message--Getting a Reply: Presidential Elections and Democratic Accountability" 492 SECTION 7. Political Parties and the Party System Chapter 27. Rick Valelly, "Who Needs Political Parties?" 513 Chapter 28. Danny Hayes and Seth C. McKee, "Toward a One-Party South?" 519 Chapter 29. Nathaniel Persily and Bruce E. Cain, "The Legal Status of Political Parties: A Reassessment of Competing Paradigms" 542 SECTION 8. Challenges to American Democracy Chapter 30. Larry M. Bartels, "The Partisan Political Economy" 577 Chapter 31. Marta Tienda, "Demography and the Social Contract" 607

Review

"This book brings together political science that has stood the test of time and recent cutting-edge analyses to acquaint students with what they need to make sense of American politics today."--Times Higher Education "An extremely useful American Politics 101 (or maybe more like 201) that in a decent world would be read by the large number of political junkies and political professionals who don't have much exposure to the formal study of US politics."--Matthew Yglesias, Yglesias blog "An excellent resource for journalists and others who are interested in a one-stop 'Everything You Want to Know About Americanist Political Science but Were Afraid to Ask' collection... Recommended."--Henry Farrell, Monkey Cage

Promotional

Princeton Readings in American Politics embeds the basics in a searching inquiry of who rules America and how the exercise of power satisfies or disappoints our concern for justice. Sophisticated yet accessible, this volume masterfully draws students into a critical examination of self-government. -- Sidney M. Milkis, University of Virginia This is a distinctive collection of readings, a genuine intellectual departure from the usual American politics reader. Those looking for a fresh vision in this venerable field will find it here. -- Christopher H. Achen, Princeton University A superb introduction to American politics, and to the discipline of political science, both rigorous and accessible. -- H. N. Hirsch, Oberlin College Typically, introductory textbooks leave students adrift in a sea of facts and colorful graphics. Valelly has higher ambitions: he wants to help students think rigorously and deeply about American politics. This volume, based on the work of prominent social scientists, will give readers the ability, and desire, to learn more. It seems fitting that a book about power should be so empowering. -- Christopher Howard, College of William and Mary The selection of articles in this reader is simply superb. The readings correspond with the breadth of topics covered in major introductory textbooks, and will generate much discussion and insight. This book offers a wonderfully fulfilling opportunity to think about the richer implications of our system of government. -- Andrea Campbell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology This reader is a terrific idea. By showcasing political scientists at work and in conversation with each other, and by aiming consistently at the big questions of power--how it's organized and to what ends--this compilation draws student' interest to the normative tensions, the real dissonances, and thus the serious challenges of American politics. -- Nicole Mellow, Williams College

Long Description

Princeton Readings in American Politics offers an exciting and challenging new way to learn about American politics. It brings together political science that has stood the test of time and recent cutting-edge analyses to acquaint undergraduate and graduate students with the substantive, conceptual, and methodological foundations they need to make sense of American politics today. Princeton Readings in American Politics features writings by such eminent scholars as Larry M. Bartels, Robert Dahl, Martha Derthick, Howard Gillman, Jacob Hacker, Kay L. Schlozman, Deborah Stone, Marta Tienda, and Kent Weaver, among others. The book is organized in sections that cover the major American political institutions--the presidency, Congress, the courts--as well as core topics such as political parties, macroeconomic management, voting and elections, policymaking, public opinion, and federalism. Richard Valelly provides an insightful general introduction to political science as a vibrant form of inquiry, as well as a succinct, informative introduction to each reading.Rigorous yet accessible, Princeton Readings in American Politics can serve as a primary textbook or as a supplement to standard introductory texts. * Offers an exciting new way to learn about American politics * Features accessible scholarship by leading political scientists * Covers all the major topics * Serves as a primary textbook or supplementary reader for undergraduate and graduate students

Review Quote

"Typically, introductory textbooks leave students adrift in a sea of facts and colorful graphics. Valelly has higher ambitions: he wants to help students think rigorously and deeply about American politics. This volume, based on the work of prominent social scientists, will give readers the ability, and desire, to learn more. It seems fitting that a book about power should be so empowering." --Christopher Howard, College of William and Mary

Details