American Government: Continuity and Change

By Karen O'Connor

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0536729484
• ISBN13: 9780536729484
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: PearsonCustom Publishing
• Length: 1092 Pages

Customer Reviews

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Imperfect, but still the best US Government Text

I have taught AP US Government and Politics for 5 years, and in the course of reviewing most every textbook on the market this one is probably the best overall. The previous reviewer that complains about conservative bias does not know what he or she is talking about. If anything, the 2002 edition tilts left overall, for example, to demonstrate federalism they reprinted a map produced by NARAL that grades states by the liberalism of their abortion laws. Over the course of the school year invariably my decidedly liberal northern Califonia students point out other examples of liberal bias. Some of the poorly written sections are naked attempts to address what the authors assume is a cynical audience, but that isn't a problem throughout -- it is highly concentrated in chapter 1. The overall attitude encourages students to question the system without being unremittingly negative. The historical review that begins most chapters is sound. Many textbooks assume too much about student's prior knowledge. The best part of the book are the data presentations. The map drawn in proportion to each state's weight in the electoral college is one example. Before I switched schools and over to this textbook, I had a bevy of handouts that took bits and pieces from other textbooks and I found that most of that "best of" set had been woven into the O'Connor text already. It isn't a perfect textbook, naturally, but a good course in Government will have supplemental readings from a variety of perspectives to challenge and complement the main text. I found a few mistakes in the 2002 edition (merging Wesberry v. Sanders into Baker v. Carr for example) but overall it was reliable and far less slanted than John Q. Wilson, whose writing is more college level and intellectual but rather apologetic for elitism throughout. I've been to conferences with dozens of experienced HS teachers and this text is well respected by people who have read it cover to cover and by those who have had the opportunity to compare it to other general textbooks. If what you want from a government class is to have your preconceptions reaffirmed, you can find a far more biased set of sources and enjoy them as you like. If you want a reasonably balanced and comprehensive introduction to US Govt., this is a good resource.

A top-notch Government textbook

I totally disagree with the other reviewer. This is truly a top-notch textbook. I have been teaching introductory American Government courses at the university level for 4 years, and I can honestly say that this is one of the finest introductory textbooks available. It covers all aspects of American government in a clear, concise manner that makes it very easy to read. The book is very well-organized, and it truly makes teaching American government a joy. Students will love it, and professors will be very happy to find a text that actually ENGAGES students in the learning process (whereas most textbooks just turn them off).

Excellent overview of American politics

This book is an excellent overview of American Politics. All major facets of Politics are examined through the precise art of meticulousness as well as the smaller, lesser known events and daily occurances of political life. I highly recommend this book to any student of politics or anyone who is eager to learn more about the way this country is run.