ABSTRACT

Seymour Martin Lipset pronounced over a decade ago, "Those who know only one country know no country." It is well established that students learn the intricacies of American politics better when they are presented in a comparative context. In today’s globalized society and workforce, it is all the more important for students to understand that the American political system is in many ways the exception and not the rule. Introductory textbooks on American government, however, rarely emphasize in sufficient depth how the United States compares to other political systems. And introductions to comparative politics infrequently situate the United States in their analysis.

The American Anomaly systematically analyzes the U.S. political system by way of comparison with other countries, especially other industrialized democracies. It is organized into four sections, respectively covering the constitutional order, governmental institutions, political participation, and public policy. Extended case studies in each chapter draw on all the major regions of the world.

Thoroughly revised throughout, the second edition also includes:

  • a new chapter on domestic public policy, including civil rights and liberties;
  • a new chapter on foreign policy;
  • updates throughout to reflect the 2008 elections and the beginning of the Obama administration;
  • a reorganized section on political participation;
  • over a dozen new figures and tables.

A companion website also offers overview slides, links, and other supporting features.

part |2 pages

Part I The Constitutional Order

chapter 1|14 pages

The American Nation, State, and Regime

chapter 2|12 pages

The U.S. Constitution

chapter 3|12 pages

Federalism

chapter 4|18 pages

Separation of Powers

part |2 pages

Part II The Institutions of Government

part |2 pages

Part III Political Participation

chapter 9|18 pages

Voting and Elections

chapter 10|15 pages

Political Parties

chapter 11|11 pages

Public Opinion and Political Values

part |2 pages

Part IV Public Policy and Policymaking