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Scenarios in American Government starts from the premise that government plays a crucial role in our lives every day and that therefore what government does is interesting. The fundamental issues of American government and politics are explored throughout the book un the context of debates on contemporary issues that often divide Americans – from the role of lobbyists and the influence of the media to abortion, affirmative action, immigration, and the rights of accused terrorists. These debates take short fictional stories dramatizing current events and the core ideas in American government, clarifying the fundamental issued under discussion and relating them to every day life. There are no right or wrong answers to the questions raised in these scenarios. This is therefore a critical thinking text, and one of its themes is the complexity if governing this vast country. This book puts you in the situation of making government decisions – and you’ll find that it is not easy to resolve the problems presented here. For every possible solution there are complications and additional problems that need to be addressed.
The scenarios here tackle this complexity be presenting arguments from both sides to help you learn how to evaluate evidence, analyze arguments, and weigh the pros and cons of a program, of action. Assume that you are part of the next generation of American leaders – since that is in fact the case – and hone the skills you’ll need as a decision- maker in your community.
copyright 2007 256 pages
