Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nature of American democracy: Introduction; Constitution; Federalism; Civil liberties; Civil rights -- People and their government: Political culture; Public opinion; Interest groups; Political parties; Campaigns and elections; Media -- Political institutions: Congress; Presidency; Bureaucracy; Courts -- Public policy: Domestic policy; Foreign and military policy -- Glossary.

[The book] presents the fundamental structures, processes, and actors in the American political system and shows how these individual entities work both with and against each other to produce an effective, practical, and sensitive government. The text also emphasizes two important themes about democracy: the balance between majority rule and minority rights, and the relationship between self-government and the public interest. Students will find this information stimulating and valuable, allowing them to become better and-we hope-more involved participants in the American political scene. -Back cover.