American politics and government are multi-faceted entities with complex intricacies. To achieve a thorough understanding of these important systems, one must engage in thorough investigation of their various components. This book provides numerous articles by renowned scholars on American government and politics, encouraging readers to gain an in-depth comprehension of the systems on which our nation was founded and the changes that have occurred through the years that have succeeded in shaping the nature our political system. In this book, two accomplished scholars have compiled a comprehensive and intriguing selection of readings that explore the different facets of the dominant topics in American Government. The selected readings raise broad normative questions regarding the fundamental nature of American government and politics through the observations and analyses of various political scientists, historians, journalists and other professionals. The selections first set the constitutional and federalisitc context for the entire American system of government, and then address the impact of public opinion, the media, political parties, elections and interest groups, and the basic institutions of our national government. Historians, political scientists, journalists, and government officials.