Issues in American Political Life

A core text for undergraduate courses in American Public Policy, or supplemental reading in such courses as Introduction to American Government or Politics, American Public Policy Analysis, Introduction to Political Science.  A substantive alternative to typical "issues" texts-which cover too many issues, too superficially-this intriguing and comprehensive text offers a more in-depth and coherent approach to contemporary policy problems and solutions. It provides a conceptual framework in which students can become comfortable actually doing policy analysis, and in learning skills beyond reading about certain political issues. Thematically organized, it looks at nine specific issues grouped into three broad categories that hold an enduring importance in American political life-money and politics, violence and politics, and biology and politics. All nine chapters and their respective topics (campaigns, corruption, welfare, crime, terrorism, arms control, the environment, biomedical issues, and biotechnology) have a strong conceptual base with current political dimensions and policy concerns woven throughout. Students not only learn the context, status, and prospects of issues confronting the U.S. government, but also see how these issues now cross our domestic borders into a global realm.

Robert Thobaben is Professor of Political Science at Wright State University Charles Funderburk is Professor of Political Science at Wright State University Donna Schlagheck is Professor of Political Science at Wright State University

Introduction Part I. Money and Politics Chapter 1: The Politics of Poverty and the Welfare State Chapter 2: The Politics of Health Care Chapter 3: Money in Public Office: Campaign Finance, Graft, and Corruption Part II: Violence and Politics Chapter 4: The Politics of Crime in America Chapter 5: The Politics of Terrorism Chapter 6: The Politics of Arms Racing and Weapons of Mass Destruction Part III: Biology and Politics Chapter 7: Biomedical Issues Chapter 8: Biotechnology Chapter 9: The Ecological Crisis.