Includes index.

Foundations of government -- Origins of American government -- The constitution -- Federalism -- The structure of Congress -- Congressional powers -- Congress at work -- State and local legislative branches -- The presidency -- Choosing the president -- Structure and functions of the executive branch -- State and local executive branches -- Federal and state court systems -- The Supreme Court of the United States -- Constitutional freedoms -- Consitutional right to a fair trial -- Political parties -- Voting and elections -- Public opinion and interest groups -- Mass media in the digital age -- Financing government -- Making social and domestic policy -- Making foreign and defense policy -- Comparing political and economic systems.