Description

Book Synopsis

Lively and straightforward, The Basics of American Politics offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government. Throughout this brief, student-friendly text, authors Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer employ a dynamic game metaphor to engage students in the basics of American government and the contact sport of politics. For introductory students of American government, this affordable text is especially ideal for advanced placement courses, community colleges, and international programs in American Studies.

New to the 17th Edition

  • Covers the personalities and actions of the new Biden administration, as well as wrapping up President Trump's tumultuous final year in office (two impeachments, COVID, the Capitol riot)
  • Updated to reflect the results of the 2022 midterm elections, and the impact of reapportionment and gerrymandering (based on the 2020 Census)
  • Presents recent deve

    Trade Review

    Praise for The Basics of American Politics, 17th edition

    Wasserman and Fullmer have updated a classic American politics introductory textbook and made it as relevant as today's headlines. It introduces key concepts, and just as importantly, it asks students to use these concepts to consider the important issues involved in promoting and defending constitutional democratic governance. Its writing is crisp, its pedagogy helpful, and its coverage authoritative. For almost half a century this book has set the standard for accessible introductory texts, and this edition raises the bar.

    Richard M. Pious, Barnard College and Columbia University

    This brief and affordable text not only gives students the essential information they need to understand American politics, but also makes politics come alive with case studies on marijuana and federalism, race and the courts, and gun control and Congress.

    Clyde Wilcox, Georgetown University



    Table of Contents
    1. What Is Politics? 2. The Constitution: Rules of the Game 3. The Executive Branch: The Presidency and Bureaucracy 4. The Legislative Branch: Congress 5. The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court and the Federal Court System 6. Civil Rights and Liberties: Protecting the Players 7. Voters and Political Parties 8. Interest Groups and the Media 9. Who Wins? Who Loses? Pluralism vs. Elitism vs. Tribalism

The Basics of American Politics

    Product form

    £29.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 1 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback by Elliott Fullmer, Elliott Fullmer

    15 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Basics of American Politics by Elliott Fullmer

      Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
      Publication Date: 1/25/2023 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9781032359151, 978-1032359151
      ISBN10: 1032359153

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Lively and straightforward, The Basics of American Politics offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government. Throughout this brief, student-friendly text, authors Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer employ a dynamic game metaphor to engage students in the basics of American government and the contact sport of politics. For introductory students of American government, this affordable text is especially ideal for advanced placement courses, community colleges, and international programs in American Studies.

      New to the 17th Edition

      • Covers the personalities and actions of the new Biden administration, as well as wrapping up President Trump's tumultuous final year in office (two impeachments, COVID, the Capitol riot)
      • Updated to reflect the results of the 2022 midterm elections, and the impact of reapportionment and gerrymandering (based on the 2020 Census)
      • Presents recent deve

        Trade Review

        Praise for The Basics of American Politics, 17th edition

        Wasserman and Fullmer have updated a classic American politics introductory textbook and made it as relevant as today's headlines. It introduces key concepts, and just as importantly, it asks students to use these concepts to consider the important issues involved in promoting and defending constitutional democratic governance. Its writing is crisp, its pedagogy helpful, and its coverage authoritative. For almost half a century this book has set the standard for accessible introductory texts, and this edition raises the bar.

        Richard M. Pious, Barnard College and Columbia University

        This brief and affordable text not only gives students the essential information they need to understand American politics, but also makes politics come alive with case studies on marijuana and federalism, race and the courts, and gun control and Congress.

        Clyde Wilcox, Georgetown University



        Table of Contents
        1. What Is Politics? 2. The Constitution: Rules of the Game 3. The Executive Branch: The Presidency and Bureaucracy 4. The Legislative Branch: Congress 5. The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court and the Federal Court System 6. Civil Rights and Liberties: Protecting the Players 7. Voters and Political Parties 8. Interest Groups and the Media 9. Who Wins? Who Loses? Pluralism vs. Elitism vs. Tribalism

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account