Product Description
In the chapters of this edited volume, twenty-four leading scholars report research designed to help readers understand why so many Americans do not like, trust, approve of, or support their government. Readers with interests in current affairs, American politics, American government, and American opinion should be interested in this book. Since government is not always unpopular and since some parts of government are liked more than others, the authors are able to obtain insight into the particular features of politics that tend to be turnoffs with the public. ... Read more

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Building on decades of authoritative scholarship, this completely updated text continues to offer accessible, carefully crafted, and straightforward coverage of the foundations of American politics, as well consistent focus on the achievements of a government by the people

In an increasingly cynical world, GBTP emphasizes that politics matters and encourages, motivates, and even inspires students–with accounts of individual and collective acts of courageousness, intellect, and integrity in the political arena–to be effective and informed citizens.  

With each chapter now framed by nationally-selected learning objectives and chapter mastery self-tests, several compelling new features, and an all new contemporary design, this thoroughly updated Twenty-Third Edition continues in the book’s long tradition for excellence.  The Alternate Edition includes the exact same coverage as the comprehensive version but without the chapters on policy.  As we enter this very complex political era, there is no more reliable or more relevant text to help you advance your students from being simple onlookers to knowledgeable participants in the American political experience.

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Acclaimed for the scholarship of its prominent authors and the clarity of its narrative, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: THE ESSENTIALS preserves the structure of the main text but replaces the policy chapters with one brief chapter on the policymaking process while maintaining focus on three fundamental topics: the institutions of American government; the historical development of governmental procedures, actors, and policies; and who governs in the United States and to what ends. User involvement in the material is bolstered by proven pedagogical features such as chapter outlines, Who Governs? and To What Ends? learning objective questions framing each chapter and How Things Work boxes that summarize important facts. The significantly enhanced media package with new online tools makes the learning experience engaging and accessible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

American Government
I found this book to be somewhat disappointing. Throughout the book, I caught on to poor editing and was frustrated by a sparse index, which made it difficult to ascertain where exactly to find what I was looking for. While much of the book was readable, other parts consisted of wordy sentences that made simple statements unnecessarily confusing.

A Bit Above Average College Textbook
Having read parts of this textbook for a college American Gov class I can say that it is fascinating for those interested in the subject and the author is engaging enough to be read by all who are interested in learning more about the essentials of American Government. The author addresses many contemporary issues such as the upcoming 2008 presidential election and other pertinent issues, which was a very nice feature. ... Read more

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Beginning with the first edition in 1978, State and Local Government: Politics and Public Policies has been relied upon to present a concise, readable analysis of the structure and operation of state and local government. In this thoroughly updated edition, Saffell and Basehart emphasize how policies made in state capitals and city halls have an impact on our everyday lives, and they draw attention to ways in which students can become active participants in the affairs of their communities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Service
Ordered this book for one of my online classes & it came within a week...

Great Textbook!
Great book.Really breaks down the ins-and-outs of state and local Government!A+

State and Local Government
Very fast delivery, without having to pay for speedy deliver. Also the lowest price I found, and book was in great condition. ... Read more

Product Description
Students are often hesitant to become involved in the political process, but American Government and Politics Today 2009-2010 Edition, 14e inspires readers to take action. The book uses intriguing examples and hands-on exercises to engage readers in the fascinating intricacies of American government -- including details from the recent presidential election. As it introduces concepts, it illustrates that active participation can be as simple as calling a local politician to share an opinion, registering to vote, or viewing a town council meeting on local access cable -- demonstrating how small steps can make a big difference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

wrong book
Received book.Found out it was "Texas Edition" which is not what I needed. Called seller to get a refund,he never called back.I would not buy anything else from him since he is not credible.

False Pretenses
The book I recieved was a teacher's edition for review. However, the seller listed the teacher book with the same ISBN number as the student book. It clearly states on the book I recieved that resale of the teacher review book is illegal as it leads to higher textbook costs for students. So far, the book has all of the same information, pages, and outline and is adequate for use at school. Buyers beware! ... Read more

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American Government 2006 Edition, Election UpdateKaren O'Connor / Larry J. SabatoWritten with the belief that students must first understand how American government has evolved to fully understand our nation and the issues facing it today, the 2006 Election Update of American Government: Continuity and Change continues to offer students a rich historical perspective complemented by complete coverage of the 2006 midterm elections and the most up-to-date scholarship available in any text for the American government course.NEW TO THIS EDITION *In-depth and updated coverage throughout of the 2006 midterm campaigns and elections, the war in Iraq, the latest Supreme Court decisions, an analysis of "Red and Blue" America, the changing role of the media, and topics that have been subject to ongoing, impassioned debates, such as the assault weapons ban, gay rights, the Partial Birth Abortion Ban, and affirmative action. *New The Living Constitution boxes appear in every chapter.These boxes excerpt and explain a portion of the Constitution relevant to that chapter's topic and examine why that article, section, or amendment was important to the Framers and continues to be important today.*An Annotated Constitution of the United States appears between Chapters 2 and 3. The Constitution is integrated with a detailed primer that examines the meaning and context of its most significant language. This feature helps give students a deep understanding of what the Constitution says, why it includes the text it does, and what role this seminal document plays in our lives today. *On Campus boxes now appear in most chapters and continue to focus on the political issues of greatest interest to college students.MyPoliSciLab Welcome to MyPoliSciLab, where participation leads to action!MyPoliSciLab is a state-of-the-art, interactive and instructive online solution for the introduction to American government course. Designed to be used as a supplement to a traditional lecture course, or completely administer an online course, MyPoliSciLab combines multimedia, tutorials, simulations, tests, and quizzes to make teaching and learning fun!What Students Are Saying About Online Exams and Quizzes:"I love it. I keep trying until I get a perfect grade and after a couple of times you know the content like the back of your hand!" "I liked being able to view the results of the quizzes immediately instead of having to wait for them to be graded by the instructor." What Students Are Saying About Online Activities:"The activities were my favorite part of the course. They took a different approach to an interesting subject and made it more applicable to real-life situations. This made the subject seem even more real than before." "I think they are a great tool to get students to interact with the material in a way you couldn't really do in class." Visit us at www.ablongman.com ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great

I needed this book for my political science class, the instructor had said we were able to use another edition
and had advised us that we could actually get a book online through amazon for a great price.So I did go online and got my book for about $9.00 and that was with expedited shipping.This was my first time using amazon actually and I will be using it again.This saved me A LOT of money. ... Read more

Product Description
This text delivers an introduction to the principles of politics and government, providing students with an understanding of the key concepts necessary for studying more specialized topics in poitical science. It provides coverage of contemporary, news-making issues, such as national security and terrorism, that are relevant to students' lives. ... Read more

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"This will constitute a useful guide for students of American politics."
--Michael Bailey, Georgetown University

"This essential book explains the concepts, institutions, personalities, and events that are widely used in teaching U.S. politics and government. It will serve as a companion volume and a stepping stone to further study."
--Edward Ashbee, Copenhagen Business School

This thorough glossary explains the key concepts, institutions, personalities, and events most commonly referred to in the teaching of U.S. politics and government. The author has emphasized accessibility, in order to provide students with a ready source of knowledge that can supplement core reading. The book will help students to address any gaps they may have in their understanding of U.S. politics, which, in turn, will make studying this fascinating subject all the more rewarding and enjoyable. ... Read more

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From ABC warfare to Zionism, the Facts of File Dictionary of American Politics is a comprehensive resource of terminology and people associated with the American political system. In addition to more than 1,600 up-to-date A-to-Z entries, the volume includes appendixes providing the full text to important American documents such as the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, biographical profiles of the presidents and vice presidents, and election results.

Entries include:
* Attack ads
* Bundling
* Class warfare
* Compassionate conservative
* Dimpled, hanging, and pregnant chads
* Divided government
* Focus groups
* Frontloading
* Gravitas
* Independent counsel
* Judicial activism
* Mandatory option
* Politics of personal destruction
* Hard and soft money
* Strip calling
* Triangulation
* Wing nut. ... Read more

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For undergraduate course in Introduction to American Government.

This text presents a succinct and timely approach to the principles and practices of the American governmental system. Concentrating on the most significant issues necessary to understanding American government, this book is specifically structured to engage today's students through a concise, stimulating style that is free of ideological and political bias.

Walter E. Volkomer wrote this book with the intent of producing a relatively short American government textbook that would provide all of the necessary details to give students a full understanding of the governmental system. 

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Purchase
The book was in great condition when I recieved it. I also recieved it in a timely matter. I believe it took about 7 business days, which was great because I had it delievered by standard mail.

American Government
I needed the book for a political science course I'm taking, and it came quickly and in good condition. The pages were a little dog-eared, but for the price that was NO problem. The CD was still in its case as explained, and none of the pages were missing or written on. The book fulfilled everything I was looking for.

Ameican Government (11th Edition)
Completely satisfied with purchase. Book in perfect condition,exactly as described. Very quick shipment. Thank You! ... Read more

Product Description
For one semester/quarter courses in Introduction to American Government. This text presents a succinct and timely approach to the principles and practices of the American governmental system. Concentrating on the most significant issues necessary to understanding American government, this book is specifically structured to engage today's students through a concise, stimulating style that is free of ideological and political bias. Walter E. Volkomer wrote this book with the intent of producing a relatively short American government textbook that would provide all of the necessary details to give students a full understanding of the governmental system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

American Government
The book itself was great, however, it did not contain the disc that originally was supposed to come with it! That was a little of a bummer!

Great first-time buy experience and will recommend again
I was forced to buy through another outlet when paying for college out of pocket. I tried Amazon and I'm glad I did. I was very impressed with how much I saved compared to buying from the college directly. I'm glad I chose Amazon and this seller. The book arrived shortly after purchase and in great condition as the seller promised. I will buy from Amazon again and recommend it to friends.

As expected
I got a great deal on this book because it had some water damage and highlighting, as described in the ad. The book works just fine for what I need it for, and it came fairly quickly.

American Government 12th edition review
I received this book in a timely fashion and it was in great condition. I will more than likely purchase from here again. ... Read more

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What new crisis will the federal government manufacture in order to acquire more power over individuals? What new lies will it tell?

Throughout our history, the federal government has lied to send our children off to war, lied to take our money, lied to steal our property, lied to gain our trust, and lied to enhance its power over us. Not only does the government lie to us, we lie to ourselves. We won't admit that each time we let the government get away with misleading us, we are allowing it to increase in size and power and decrease our personal liberty.

In acquiescing to the government's continuous fraudulent behavior, we bear partial responsibility for the erosion of our individual liberties and the ever-expanding federal regulation of private behavior. This book attacks the culture in government that facilitates lying, and it challenges readers to recognize that culture, to confront it, and to be rid of it.

Customer Reviews (126)

Proof that our government is feeding us lies!
During my school and college years,I talked about false
stories our government was feeding us. Both by teachers
and fellow students I was told I didn't know what I was
talking about. No matter the proof I dug up to back my
accusations, know one wanted to believe the truth. Now
here is an accountable person, telling us that we must
question authority. Because they have hidden agenda's
that they are manipulating us with.

Beacon of Truth
Thank you, Judge Andrew Napolitano for this incredible book. It appeals to people of the left, right, and Liberty persuasions. It helps the average person to realize he is not free, because so many sacred American principles have been violated. At a recent political meeting, I recommended this book, and someone asked me, "How thick is it?" Meaning, "Just how much does the government lie to us?" I spread my fingers about 1 and 1/2 inches, and said, "But he just covered the basics!" No doubt the Judge could have written more.

I liked Chapter Two on inalienable rights, and that The Judge used Kelo vs. New London as an example. It's amazing how few people understand this case and its meaning. Government has turned property rights into privileges on the government's terms. Lie #8 about the Fed is another very good chapter: "The Federal Reserve shall be controlled by Congress". Yeah, right. I remember the series of events when We the People demanded a full audit of the Federal Reserve, and watched in horror as the Senators gutted the bill in secret and with procedural motions (failure to recommit, so that they could pretend they voted for it if it comes up later.)

Another good chapter is Chapter #17: America has a free market. HA HA HA HA, that's a good one. Where to begin? Every market today is rigged. There are no free markets anymore, only interventions. Stocks, bonds, commodities, interest rates (the price of money), derivatives, real estate, health care, automobiles...you name it, government and large corporations are colluding to ensure markets aren't free.

I could go on and on, but this is simply an excellent book, and very useful at shattering myths that the uninformed believe. Many people in our Campaign for Liberty chapter read and enjoy this book. Break the Matrix and buy it! And go Ron Paul!

A Constitutional Literalist's point of view.
A very interesting read.At first, I almost decided against reading it when I read on the back that Judge Napolitano occasionally sits in as Glenn Beck's backup host on his show.Since Mr. Beck is such a right-wing clown, I thought this book would merely parrot the typical ultra-right-wing doom and gloom grab-your-guns neocon rubbish.But I was wrong.Judge Napolitano's politics can best be described as Constitutional Literalist; whatever is in the Constitution is good, if it isn't and it is a law, then it is an affront to our freedom.I was quite surprised to learn that his criticism of government extends to any government which infringes on freedoms granted by the Constitution, regardless of political affiliation.In fact, quite the opposite from Glenn Beck, Judge Napolitano's harshest criticism is reserved for the Bush presidency and their passing of the Patriot Act, the single most egregious revoking of Constitutionally-protected rights in US history.He is equally critical of the Obama administration's apparent unwillingness to repeal the Patriot Act.

The author takes us through 200 years of Constitutional amendments, Supreme Court cases, and documents each repeal of liberty incurred since the Constitution was signed.I found I agreed with most of his points, in all but 2 instances; gun control and anti-drug laws.Whilst I agree with Judge Napolitano that privately owned arms are protected by the Second Amendment, the Judge takes this much further.He believes the Constitution protects all arms, be they fully automatic assault rifles, handguns, or sawed-off shotguns, to him it makes no difference.He even goes as far as to suggest that the tragedies at Columbine and Virginia Tech could have resulted in a much lower body count had defensive weapons been permitted on campus.What that implies, of course, is that high-school teenagers should be given the right to carry arms to school, and I can't ever agree with Judge Napolitano on this point, nor can I think that is what the Framers had in mind.The Judge ignores the fact that in the 18th century, Americans were fighting for their survival.They had the British army trying to suppress them, the French army in Canada, the Spaniards and Mexicans to the south, and the entire country filled with North American Indians.Enshrining the right to bear arms in the Constitution was a very logical and necessary step.However, bringing a handgun to a high school in the 21st century is an entirely different matter.If American citizens want to have a defensive arm in their own homes, fine.But teenagers carrying them to school?It just makes no sense.The Judge envisioned a 15-year old boy calmly opening his locker, taking out his gun, and ending the slaughter.However, I see the ending entirely differently.What if 200 teenagers all went charging back to their lockers to retrieve their weapons and just started blasting away in the name of defense?What if someone shot in a panic, and then someone else returned fire not knowing who shot in the first place?I strongly believe allowing high school aged students the right to bear arms at school will result in a massive increase in the number of gun fatalities, Columbine would not be an isolated incident but a daily occurrence.

That brings me to my second criticism.Judge Napolitano strongly believes the government has no right to control what Americans ingest into their bodies.I certainly agree in the case of terminal illness, there is no way the government should prevent citizens seeking any treatment they desire, experimental or otherwise.But allowing anyone anytime to ingest anything, including narcotics?He makes the point over and over that Americans have the right to ingest things which are bad for them, just as they have the right to be healthy.But I can't see how legalizing addictive substances such as crack cocaine could possibly be what the Framers had in mind.Crack addicts have virtually no control over their actions any longer, they will do anything to obtain their next hit.Now combine that with the right to bear arms by every citizen, regardless of age, or criminal activity.I picture a nightmare, the Judge apparently pictures a perfectly happy and free society of citizens respecting the Constitution.

Nevertheless, this book is a great and informative read.And I have to give Judge Napolitano credit, he respects the Constitution in all matters, whether they may actually cause more suffering (see above) or were actually what the Framers had in mind, he is very consistent.

Some good, some bad
Andrew P. Napolitano, a state court judge from New Jersey, thinks our freedoms are eroding year by year and he uses the seventeen chapters of this book to incite us to respond by abolishing the federal income tax, eminent domain, the Federal Reserve System, and imposing term limits.

Each chapter deals with a different lie that the government has told us, such as "All men are created equal," "Every vote counts," and "Everyone is innocent until proven guilty."

The judge has an interesting perspective, and the book is well written, but some of his proposals don't make much sense. For instance, I have no desire to terminate the Federal Reserve and put its awesome powers in the hands of people like Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, etc. As someone once said, democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others. It's no surprise that there are flaws in the system. The problem is, once you've identified a flaw, you also have to identify how to fix it in a way that won't make things even worse. Napolitano neglects that last part.

Lies Judge Napolitano told you
Judge Napolitano is usually good value - persuasive, forceful, coherent and logical. Although this book is more about the vanishing Constitution than government lies, it does do a good job of cataloguing constitutional abuses committed by governments from the start of the Republic to the present.

However, Napolitano does introduce a stunning lie, which is all the more stunning for being apparently uncharacteristic. He writes, "Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the current President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has called homosexuality an abomination, denied the Holocaust, and hopes someday to blow Israel off the face of the earth". While the first two claims appear to be more or less true, the final claim is a lie, and Napolitano, just like anybody else, can easily do the research online to check that it's a lie.

By promoting this lie, Napolitano is unfortunately giving ammunition to forces that will consolidate tyranny in the U.S. and around the world, forces which pay no heed whatsoever to the Constitution. Napolitano will not like what he reaps by sowing lies like this one. ... Read more

Product Description
The concluding volume of The New York Times bestselling trilogy

One of today’s most outspoken and respected political commentators asks: How can our democracy function when the key institutions of government no longer operate as intended by the Constitution? Stepping back to assess three decades of nearly continuous Republican rule, John W. Dean surveys the damage done to the three branches of government and traces their decline through the presidencies of Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush I , and Bush II. Speaking to what the average moderate citizen can do to combat extremism, authoritarianism, incompetence, and the Republicans’ deliberate focus on polarizing social issues, Broken Government is a must-have book for voters this election year.Amazon.com Review
The former White House counsel faults Republican mismanagement for the current state of the government

John Dean has become one of the most trenchant and respected commentators on the current state of American politics and one of the most outspoken and perceptive critics of the administration of George W. Bush in his New York Times bestsellers Conservatives Without Conscience and Worse than Watergate.

In his eighth book, Dean takes the broadest and deepest view yet of the dysfunctional chaos and institutional damage that the Republican Party and its core conservatives have inflicted on the federal government. He assesses the state of all three branches of government, tracing their decline through the presidencies of Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II. Unlike most political commentary, which is concerned with policy, Dean looks instead at process--making the case that the 2008 presidential race must confront these fundamental problems as well. Finally, he addresses the question that he is so often asked at his speaking engagements: What, if anything, can and should politically moderate citizens do to combat the extremism, authoritarianism, incompetence, and increasing focus on divisive wedge issues of so many of today's conservative politicians?

With the Democrats now in control of both the House and Senate, the stakes for the 2008 presidential election have never been higher. This is a book for anyone who wants to return government to the spirit of the Constitution.

Questions for John Dean

Amazon.com: Broken Government is a book unabashedly about governmental "process," which, I'm sure your publisher told you, is not considered the sexiest of topics. But you make the case that voters are actually often more concerned with process than with policy. Could you explain?

Dean: Actually, my wife was the first to tell me that "process" is not sexy. In fact, if you think about it, process can be quite sexy. Allow me to translate into a different context. Dating, seduction, and courtship are all types of processes, while the object of one's efforts is a policy decision. The kind of car you drive is a policy decision, but the way you drive it is a process matter. To take the leap to government--the machinery of government is the process, while what we do with that machinery is policy. Most Washington insiders are more interested in process than they are policy because it is truly the name of the game. In making the case that many voters are actually more concerned with government process than policy, something I have intuitively known for a long time, I relied on empirical research which was uncovered by a team of political scientists at the University of Nebraska. In addition, early responses to the book have confirmed that voters are deeply interested in these operations, when they have discovered what the book is about.

Amazon.com: You assess the state of each of the three branches of government and conclude that Congress, after the Democrats took over from your former party, the Republicans, at the beginning of this year, is "broken but under repair." Congress's approval ratings have remained even lower than the president's. Do you think they are fixing their broken institution?

Dean: Congress has traditionally had the lowest approval ratings of all the branches. In the book I explain why this is the case, along with the irony that most voters give their own representatives and senators high approval ratings, claiming it is merely the rest of them they don't approve of. After explaining the repairs that the Democrats have instituted since regaining control of the legislative branch, I explain that it is a Republican tactic to do all within their power to not allow the Democrats to get public credit for making Congress work again. Indeed, Republicans won control of Congress in the 1994 election after years of doing all they could to literally destroy Congress--it was really quite remarkable how they attacked the institution that they were part of, but it worked. Voters concluded that Democrats could not run Congress. After the GOP took control in 1995, they ran Congress not as a deliberative body but in a dictatorial manner that literally excluded Democrats, which meant over half the nation was not represented in Congress. Not surprisingly, by 2006 the efforts of the GOP to make their Congressional majority permanent through blatantly corrupt means and methods had backfired, and enough voters realized what was happening to take away control.

Now the GOP is back to trying their best to make the Congress not function, so that voters will put them back in control. The reason approval ratings are sinking is the GOP is succeeding--and the Democrats inexplicably refuse to talk about what the GOP is again doing to the process, and the media is not reminding voters. If Democrats continue to ignore process issues, if they refuse to make them an issue in 2008, not only will they lose but so will democracy as we know it.

Amazon.com: The battles between the White House and the Democratic Congress over the release of documents to congressional oversight committees raise all kinds of echoes from the Nixon era. How strange is it to see your old assistant in the Nixon White House counsel's office, Fred Fielding, return to the White House as point man in fighting some very similar skirmishes with Congress over executive privilege?

Dean: I cannot imagine why Fielding, whom I brought into the government in 1971, returned to the Bush/Cheney White House as counsel. I suspect his friend Dick Cheney leaned hard on him, for they needed help. Fielding has credibility on Capitol Hill, and while they may not like his stonewalling them, they know he is doing his boss's bidding and they understand that he is no doubt trying to get his boss to do the right thing. Fielding has never worked on the Hill, and his entire worldview of government is from the White House. When all is said and done, I think Fred will be viewed not as his own man, but just another who drank the Kool-Aid. I also know Pat Leahy and John Conyers, who chair the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, who are even more seasoned at the Washington game than Fielding. So it is going to be an interesting battle in the days ahead.

Amazon.com: What's particularly striking is that the White House appears to be winning those battles, or at least stalemating them successfully. What do you think this administration learned from Watergate? Why do you think they have been able to hold the line against congressional oversight?

Dean: No question that this administration learned from Watergate, and the landscape has changed significantly in the past three decades. When I returned to writing I never contemplated I would be writing political commentary, but when others were not talking about what was so obvious to me, I felt I had to do so. Republicans have taken Nixon's disgraced tactics and approach to presidential power as their starting point. They have learned that if caught, deny it. If that doesn't work, ignore the fact you have been caught and just keep doing it, and claim you have the inherent power to do so. They can get away with it because right-wing talk radio and Fox Cable News have become the cheering section that did not exist during Watergate. As for oversight, during the first six years of the Bush/Cheney administration, the GOP-controlled Congress could not even spell the word "oversight." Only now are we approaching real tests of whether the Democratic Congress will go the distance to get the information they are entitled to have.

Customer Reviews (41)

Liberal Rant?Hardly...but for some, the truth about the GOP hurts...
Some right wingnuts will call this a liberal rant.Let's not forget that Dean was White House council for GOP President Nixon -- and knows the GOP and all its faults like the Thomas Bros know their maps.

This is extremely well-written, and it takes an insider to be able to expose a lot of these truths.

Republicans will shriek, screech and get poopy-pants if they have the courage to read something this honest about their party and platform.And then, they'll cloak themselves in dark denial.

They have only themselves to blame for the catastrophic condition this country is in now.They'll try to point the finger of blame at Obama, now, for trying to clean up the mess left behind by Dumbya, the worst president in American history.But, the only fault I can give Obama is, well, insanity -- the insanity of choosing to follow right after 8 years of Dumbya, overlapped by a decade of a fully GOP-controlled Congress, which brought us to this economic disaster.Obama will be judged almost entirely by his ability to clean up a huge calamity created by GOP mismanagement and fear-based politics.

The GOP knows no shame, and will never own the facts that Dean uncovers in his very comprehensive book.

Infuriating and frustrating - but not author's fault
Dean provides ample evidence of how our government has, indeed, been broken. I knew some of the stuff he wrote about already, but there were plenty of other situations he discussed that I had had no idea about.Just confirmed to me that things are even worse than I had already thought. But none of this Dean's fault - he's just reporting, and in a very well-written manner. I appreciate his collecting all the data to present in a cohesive context. Now I just wish more citizens would read this book, realize what's been happening and continues to happen, and take steps to turn things around before it's too late.

Broken Government - Of Course We Knew It
It's not complicated.Thinking Americans knew the Bush administration in compliance with Senate and House Republicans were intent on breaking down our government of the people into government for the selected few - and they made significant strides in that direction.Dean documents this process in a readable, yet precise and unchallengable fashion - with the truth!

John Dean's Got it right!
The title of Mr. Dean's work speaks for itself. It is an indepth look at the three Branches of our Government and how Republican extremists have undermined the Legislative, Judical and Executive branches. Mr. Dean writes with knowledge and gives examples of the how's and why's particular members of the Republican Party, who have a authoritarian viewpoint, have smashed all three branches to create something not akin to the workings of the Constitution.

The book is easy to follow and builds with each branch of the government the ways members of the extreme right of the Republican Party have set out to destroy bi-partisan efforts to listen to the voice of the people of this country. Mr.Dean's last chapter recommends to his readers ways to avoid the disruption of our way of life by the Rightwing of the Republican party. I highly recommend Mr. Dean's work and the other two books he has written regarding the disintergation of middle road Republicans from the time of Senator Barry Goldwater.

John Dean is right
John Dean is correct that many people who were confirmed as judges lied to be confirmed. Check out the confirmation speeches that John Roberts gave and the ruling that opened Pandora's box with allowing corporations to give as much money as they wish to corporate puppets in Congress. ... Read more

Product Description
Get a better grade with CRITICAL THINKING & AMERICAN GOVERNMENT! Filled with exercises that provide in-depth exploration of important topics in American government, this political science text teaches you the skills you need for critical and analytical thinking. Coverage includes thinking analytically, reading critically, interpreting and analyzing data, recognizing basic relationships among variables, summarizing information concisely, formulating generalizations and hypotheses, and drawing logical inferences within the context of a standard American Government curriculum. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for AP Government Classes
I purchased this book a year ago for use in my advanced placement American Government & Politics class.I found the articles to be insightful and informative.I would recommend this book to anyone taking a similar course.The only problem with the book is uncovering an answer key.For that, you need to create an account at cengage learning.This site is typically off limits to anyone who is not a teacher (thankfully I am). ... Read more

Product Description
This text investigates and evaluates the developing political processes in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Lithuania, and Uzbekistan. Students will come to understand the newly formed political institutions in this region through comparison with other established democracies in Europe and North America, historical overviews of the Tsarist and Soviet periods, as well as summaries of socialist and communist philosophies. Comparative case studies explain the divergent paths taken since the break up of the Soviet Union and cover topics such as constitutional structures and the main institutions of government; the nature of society and political culture; and political participation and political parties. This approach helps students understand how decisions are actually made and how the allocation of resources occurs--through the intersections of politics, culture, the economy, and international influences. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Not a bad introduction
THis was a good read, but in terms of useful texts I would probably opt for it as a second or third text.

Author clearly knows his stuff, but probably not as structured in working frameworks as other texts on the subject.

Useless book
I have a hard time finding anything useful for Busines Development or good practices for Government marketing in this book.

A Complete Guide for Doing Business with the Government
Mark Amtower has more knowledge about doing business successfully with the government than anyone, and this book is a complete and thorough guidebook for marketers. The chapters on the web, direct marketing and myths will save $10,000 in consulting fees alone! The insider information speeds the whole learning curve and gets you to the payload faster. Great book, and Amtower knows what he's doing!

Want a share of the billions that government spends?
If you want to learn how to use marketing to help get your company's share of the billions that the Federal, state and Local government spends every year, this book is a must read.

Having known him professionally for a number of years, I consider the author, Mark Amtower, to be the leading business-to-government marketing consultant in the USA.

This just released book is based on Amtower's hands-on experience and popular workshop series on marketing to the government. Its pages are loaded with useful resources, tips and suggestions for making the most of your government marketing dollars.

In the book, Amtower pops the myths associated with marketing to the government and replaces them with practical, tactical ideas on how to reach and influence government buyers.

He gives sage advice on everything from making your website government-friendly to using direct mail, email, space advertising, trade shows and public relations to target the important government influencers and buyers.

He also gives important tips on how to get your share of the projected $17.1 billion in "off schedule" sales represented by government employees with SmartPay credit cards.

I think the appendix alone is worth the cost of the book, giving you the short list of important resources needed to effectively market to the government.

Yes, I admit mark writes like he speaks; often in incomplete sentences and jumping from thought to thought and back again. But if you, like I, judge the success of a book by being able to take away a few good ideas that you can implement right away, I think you'll find this book is well worth reading."

World's top government marketing expert
I know the author personally and have attended his lectures. Mark is one of the top experts in B2G (business-to-government) marketing, and no one explains the rules of selling to the government more clearly. If you sell or want to sell to the government, get this book NOW! ... Read more

Product Description
This book is destined to be a big seller.

With unemployment climbing through the roof, the Federal government under Obama is pouring money into the economy and its budget will exceed $3 trillion dollars.

This best seller will provide your customers with a step-by-step guide to making money from both Federal and state governments and will also show them how they can qualify for grants, loans and other assistance from the government.

3,000,000,000,000...it's a big number isn't it? To spend $3 trillion dollars in a year the government must spend over $340 million per hour or $95,000 per second! In the time it takes your customer reads this book, the government will give somebody else hundreds of millions of dollars. Why don't YOU give your customers an opportunity to get some of that money?

This is a sure-fire seller!A few hours invested in this book studying this proven system will help your customers' cash in on your piece of President Obama's $3 trillion pie.

This amazing book is designed for the individual who wants to learn how to cash in on the government bonanza.Among the contents, it shows your customers

-The regulations covering government procurement;
-Describes how federal and state government buy goods and services;
-Illustrates where to find opportunities; and
-Provides the reader with a step-by-step guide to preparing a successful proposal and grant request (using the same techniques which the author used to obtain over $12 billion in contract awards for his clients).

This best seller comes with an attractive 50% bookseller trade discount.

Don't delay . . . Order this best seller today! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent resource for obtaining government funding
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (03/10)

As a small business owner who has not been able to figure out how to navigate the maze to obtain government funding, I applaud Ed Benjamin for demystifying the process and creating such a user friendly "how to" manual.If you are considering applying for government dollars, then this manual is a must read.I not only read the manual but also followed its recommendations step-by-step and was surprised at the ease in which I was able to find information and the correct forms to fill out.

The author's many years of experience in major weapons systems procurement for the military greatly lends to his expertise in creating this manual.He covers everything from federal acquisition regulations to writing successful proposals.I have a very innovative environmental product that has not been listed for procurement anywhere.Benjamin even has an answer for this dilemma in his section on best ways to qualify for an unsolicited proposal.I was amazed at the depth of his knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), especially when I looked it up and found that it was approximately 1,700 pages long!I would have been completely overwhelmed if I didn't have the guidance from Benjamin on where to look for the information that I was seeking.

With assistance from this manual, I am now registered on the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database, am exploring funding options for my company and have been invited through the contacts I've made to attend a seminar in New York City for more in-depth information on getting government contracts.

If you think that you have an idea or product that the government could use, then I highly recommend "Cash in on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan!" for you.It's not something that you will just read through once and then put down. It's a reference manual which you can turn to throughout the whole process.

With tips on certain economic concepts and ideas that the plan targets
With all that money being thrown around, how does one get into the game? "Cash In on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan!" is a guide for those who want to take advantage of the down economy and get some the economic stimulus money for themselves. With tips on certain economic concepts and ideas that the plan targets, any business that wants to boom in the recovering conditions must consider "Cash In on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan!".

Easy to Understand and Follow.
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (11/09)

This is a must read for anyone wanting to do business with the state or federal governments.Colonel Benjamin has helped his clients win over $12 billion in contract awards so this is a man that knows what he's talking about.

Benjamin takes the reader through the process of winning contracts starting with the absolute basics; from the various types of business owners to how to write a grant proposal.The author did a fantastic job of "dumbing down" the process so even the most naïve owner can easily follow along.The idea of trying to sell/work with the government is a daunting, intimidating prospect made understandable by this book.The reader is explained the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), how a business qualifies to do business with the government, how the government buys goods/services,reading the solicitation, writing the proposal and working with states.All this information is in a 186 page book.

The book is broken up into palatable portions that are well written and easily digested.The author compares the process to a baseball team and his use of analogies really bring home what his is explaining without the jargon that most experts feel is necessary to get the point across.

This is not a "get free money from the government without lifting a finger book".In fact, the reader is told specifically that those really don't exist (although grants do exist).If you are looking for that then keep looking, however, if you want a simple book to get your foot in with the government this is for you!

Great Resource for Government Proposal Writing
I am not revealing any great secret by sharing that our country is struggling through difficult economic conditions.The unemployment rate has risen above ten percent for the first time in more than twenty-five years and home foreclosures continue to be a regular feature on the real estate market.When President Obama took office nearly a year ago, one way that he determined to improve the situation was through a stimulus package that was part of a $3 trillion budget.For many people, all of the activity in Washington, which also funnels down to the state and local governments, seems to be a bureaucratic endeavor removed from their everyday lives.However, a new book by Ed Benjamin explains how any one of us can make money from the spending decisions of our government.

Cash in on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan! is written by a man whose expertise on the subject is undeniable.Ed Benjamin, a retired Air Force Colonel, spent years involved in weapons system procurement for the military and since then has used this knowledge to help clients win over $12 billion in contracts.Whether or not you agree with the policies of President Obama, Benjamin shows you why there is no reason that you cannot benefit from the administration's decisions.

This book is designed for everyone, from the experienced entrepreneur who is ready to extend his business into the public sector to the person who has never before considered proposing an idea to the government.Benjamin covers every aspect of the proposal process, from explaining how the government buys goods and services and what the basic qualifications are for being a part of this business to how to read a solicitation and write a proposal that gives you the best chance for success.The book even includes a great section listing helpful resources for every state.Once the readers take even a quick look through the contents of Cash in on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan!, I believe they will be convinced that dealing with the government is not such an intimidating prospect after all.

Even though Ed Benjamin is clearly an expert in his field, he does not forget to include the most basic of concepts.The table of contents delineates every paragraph and the topic it features.In fact, the book is written much like a proposal--a proposal that encourages readers to get involved!Website links are shared through the book so that readers are able to retrieve more details about specific programs.There is not a single page in Cash in on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan! that does not help its readers towards their final goal.

Cash in on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan! probably is not a book that you will curl up with for a lazy afternoon at the beach.It's not even meant to read from beginning to end.Instead, it is a manual that was created to get marked, creased, and well-worn as its owner takes the steps necessary to earn his or her piece of the $3 trillion pie.Ed Benjamin has written an accessible and content-rich tool that is based in experience and an obvious ability to teach.If you are ready to learn a new way to create your own success, get a copy of Cash in on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan! today!

Step by Step Guide to Government Contracting Success
This book is definitely a five star keeper! It is the real thing for anyone who truly wants to know the ins and outs of seeking to do business with the government.

All too often "experts" disappoint because theirs is only a superficial knowledge of the subject andthe value of their summary is minimal at best.

Not in this case.Mr. Benjamin, a retired Air Force officer and civilian consultant, demonstrates deep and thorough knowledge of the mechanism(s) by which the government allocates its funding. Better yet, he has taken that expertise and packaged it in a clear and concise, yet detailed guide for the reader wishing to conduct business with the government.

Mr. Benjamin's guide book is not a "quick fix" nor is it intended to be. He cautions the user to perform due diligence by thoroughly studying each of the regulations and requirements which are found in the government's solicitations for suppliers of products and services.

Where Mr. Benjamin excels is in taking the reader along on the complex roadmap, shining the light of experience and expertise along the way so that the individual can proceed through the federal acquisition process. He illuminates the process for you.

This is not a book to be read once, memorized and set aside. Instead, it will find a place on the desk of anyone who at any time needs to again refresh himself or herself on the process.After all, the government continually needs these services and products. If you wish to offer yours, shouldn't you play to win? This book puts you way ahead of your competition.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Content good, practice tests unhelpful
I found the content of this book was fairly helpful. I wish there had been more terms, but for a review, it was good.
At the end of every chapter there is a "review" section with 5 multiple choice questions and two free responses. I found the multiple choices questions okay; the answer explanations horrible. Sometimes the the answer would simply restate the question and add in the answer.Some parts did have full blown answers explanations, with reasoning behind each letter choice. Most had only one sentence explanations. The chapter written responses often were one short sentence, with no elaboration of the question- which made it confusing as to what was being asked. The explanations were even less helpful, when they were only a list of words.

While the practice tests are more in depth, I found them easier than other practice tests I have taken. There were a few mistakes, one question was repeated in the second test. Actuallya lot of questions were seemed really repetitive over the two tests. Although the answers are better, they are not as in dept as other practice books.

Overall, get this book for the review material. If you're looking to take practice tests, and to actually learn from them, I'd recommend you look at another brand.
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Product Description
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: HISTORICAL, POPULAR, & GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES is a new text offering a uniquely current and comprehensive introduction to American government and politics explored through three essential, integrated perspectives--historical, popular, and global. Written in a clear, accessible, and engaging style, the text incorporates the most recent scholarship, including thought-provoking analysis of government institutions and political issues in every chapter, all complemented by vivid graphs, maps, and photographs. AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: HISTORICAL, POPULAR, & GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES provides a rich and detailed overview of American government, its history, and its ongoing evolution as influenced by public opinion and national and global events. In doing so, the text empowers you to think critically about the political structures that frame current issues, to understand your own roles and power in the political process, and to be better informed and more involved citizens. ... Read more

Product Description
Bessette/Pitney?s AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: DELIBERATION, DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP, First Edition, is based on the idea of "deliberative democracy": political systems work best when informed citizens and public officials deliberate to identify and promote the common good. Emphasizing citizenship, the text examines the way that civic culture and immigration impact students and shape the country. It offers solid historical coverage and a close look at civic responsibility. ... Read more