This concise, affordable text covers the essential concepts of American government and is known for its outstanding scholarship, strong historical coverage, and focus on institutions and policy. * Students learn to think critically and synthesize the material through the text"s chapter-opening "Enduring Questions Learning Objectives" which are reviewed at the end of each chapter, and conversational narrative that expands on the classic issues of democracy. * "How We Compare" features show how other nations around the world structure their governments and policies in relation to the U.S. and ask students to think about the results of these differences. * "What Would You Do?" boxes in each chapter further enhance the critical-thinking emphasis of the book, challenging students to explore their opinions on controversial topics and generating classroom discussion and debate. * Key facts and concepts are pulled out in each chapter to guide students, while marginal definitions serve as helpful references while reading.