Authors: Peter E. Tarlow, Stephen H. Vincent

Understanding the U.S. Government: A Guide to Understanding American Government and Elections

eBook: US $19 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $38
Printed Copy: US $28
Library License: US $76
ISBN: 978-981-5274-08-0 (Print)
ISBN: 978-981-5274-07-3 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2024
DOI: 10.2174/97898152740731240101

Introduction

Understanding the U.S. Government: A Guide to Understanding American Government and Elections demystifies the complexities of the United States government, its election processes, and the concept of separation of powers. Written in a question-and-answer format, this book provides essential information for readers interested in American democracy at all levels. The authors compare various ideologies (capitalism, socialism, communism, and fascism) and other facets of U.S. politics that shape conversations about the U.S. Government and influence political policies, while also providing answers to historical questions about the American constitution and Declaration of Independence.

The book answers questions on these topics:

  • - Maintaining personal relations amidst differing political views
  • - Rights and responsibilities of American citizens
  • - Competing political and economic philosophies
  • - The Ins-and-Outs of American democracy
  • - The impact of the media on U.S. Elections
  • - The American political party system
  • - The impact of lobbyists and monetary donations on political decisions and policies
  • - How U.S. elections work
  • - Practical tips for American voters

This book is an informative source of knowledge for anyone seeking a quick understanding of the workings of the U.S. government, the election process, and the intricate balance of political power in America.

Readership

General readers and political science students interested in U.S. government and elections.

Preface

This book provides a practical overview of the mechanics and philosophical underpinnings of the United States political system, which has been quite successful for over two centuries. It is a handbook or guide for American citizens to generate more informed decisions and for people from other lands to understand this system that impacts the entire world.

Questions and answers discuss the United States’ founding documents, the mechanics of the American election system, and the differences between local, state, and federal governments. Explorations include how money and political contributions, through lobbyists, individual donations, and PACs, impact the United States and its political decisions.