American Government: Power and Purpose

by Theodore J. Lowi, Benjamin Ginsberg, Kenneth A. Shepsle

Authoritative. Analytical. Contemporary. Thoroughly updated based on recent scholarship and current events, American Power and Purpose remains the gold standard for teaching a political scientific perspective on American government. Thorough analysis of the 2018 midterm elections and the first years of the Trump presidency make this revision more current and authoritative than ever.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Reference, History, School, Political Science

768 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Theodore J. Lowi was John L. Senior Professor of American Institutions at Cornell University. He was elected president of the American Political Science Association in 1990 and was cited as the political scientist who made the most significant contribution to the field during the decade of the 1970s. Among his numerous books are The End of Liberalism and The Pursuit of Justice, on which he collaborated with Robert F. Kennedy.

Reviews

[Cheryl]

I realize that American Government textbooks ae not most people's cup of tea. This one is really, really good. I read it to help my son and a friend prep for trhe American Government AP exam, and it has been very helpful.

[Lara]

I luv America

[J Yarbrough]

A great text for understanding the government without the influence of politicians.

[X]

I read the fifteenth edition.

[Marie]

Bought this textbook as a review and reference guide. Two of the authors also co-wrote the "We the People" textbook as well.

Throughout the textbook certain words are highlighted and include an in-chapter description. The textbook also includes the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, Amendments to the Constitutions, and Federalist Papers: Madison #10 & #51.

This textbook, which is similar in content to "We the People" - explores the "Power & Purpose" of the government. The textbook gives lessons on the principles of government, the construction of a government, separation of powers, civil liberties and civil rights, the branches of the government (along with their functions and powers), political parties, elections, federal and other courts, special groups and interests, the media, economic policy, social policy, and foreign policy.

It is a textbook, so obviously it is written to educate a student in the particular subject.

It can be a good reference book for future use, as well as a refresher book.

Since this is the 12th edition (2012), a newer book might be preferable for students and anyone wanted a more modern update for a reference book.

[Sarana]

To be honest, for a textbook, this was a decent read. I found very minimal content to be dry and it's up to date with references from the 2016 election. I would recommend this for anyone even interested in politic science, whether they're taking a class or not.

[Amanda]

Very interesting but a little long winded

[Andrew Edstrom]

Very inconsistant writing style. At times tedious, at other times unclear. It's a textbook. Need I say more?

[Jordy]

didnt read but will after college

[T.M.]

Interesting textbook. I got a clearer picture of the 2012 election.

[Annika]

Good riddance to this textbook, I’m so ready to be done with this class. My final is tomorrow and I just want to be done