The American Anomaly: U.S. Politics and Government in Comparative Perspective, 2nd Edition

by Raymond A. Smith

Seymour Martin Lipset pronounced over a decade ago, "Those who know only one country know no country." It is well established that students learn the intricacies of American politics better when they are presented in a comparative context. In today’s globalized society and workforce, it is all the more important for students to understand that the American political system is in many ways the exception and not the rule. Introductory textbooks on American government, however, rarely emphasize in sufficient depth how the United States compares to other political systems. And introductions to comparative politics infrequently situate the United States in their analysis. The American Anomaly systematically analyzes the U.S. political system by way of comparison with other countries, especially other industrialized democracies. It is organized into four sections, respectively covering the constitutional order, governmental institutions, political participation, and public policy. Extended case studies in each chapter draw on all the major regions of the world. Thoroughly revised throughout, the second edition also A companion website also offers overview slides, links, and other supporting features.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Raymond A. Smith is adjunct assistant professor at Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY.

Reviews

[Diana]

Review to Come

Read 3 chapters for my Political Science course.

[Liam Hayden]

Fantastic analysis into the nuanced differences that differentiates American politics from the norm throughout the globe. This book gives a deep and insightful look into how our political system has gotten to the dysfunctional place where we find ourselves today, and what steps we can take to fix it.

[Stacy Charlesbois]

Good work on including gay-rights protests, which don't get mentioned in literature on dissent; also need to cite sources, not just have a bibliography.