Ford/Bardes/Schmidt/Shelley's AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY equips you with the knowledge to make informed choices and the tools to play an active role in the decision-making process in your community. Completely up to date, the 19th edition covers the 2020 primary and general elections, COVID-19, civil liberties in quarantine, climate change, gun violence, race and gender dynamics, migration and immigration, and social media's prominent role in politics. The text also explores the roots of political polarization, its impact on civil discourse and shared governance, and the consequences when our divisions prevent us from solving public problems. Engaging examples of politics, politicians and policies bring chapter concepts to life, while ""Politics in Practice"" features provide an up-close view of people taking political action -- and also suggest ways for you to get involved.Important Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.