Citizenship in the American Republic

Description

The Constitution has governed the United States since 1789, but many Americans are not aware of the structural rules that govern the oldest democracy in the world. Important public policy challenges require a knowledgeable, interested citizenry able to address the issues that represent the rich pageantry of American society. Issues such as climate change, national debt, poverty, pandemics, income inequality, and more can be addressed sufficiently if citizens play an active role in their own republic. Collectively, citizens are vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation if we place limits on our individual political knowledge. A more informed, engaged citizenry can best rise to the great policy challenges of contemporary society and beyond. Brian L. Fife provides readers with essential information on all aspects of American politics, showing them how to use political knowledge to shape the future of the republic. Activist citizens are the key to making the United States a more vibrant democracy. Fife equips citizens and would-be citizens with the tools and understanding they need to engage fully in the political process. At the end of each chapter, he analyzes why citizenship matters and how citizens can use that chapter’s material in their own lives. Fife also provides readers with a citizen homework section that presents web links to further explore issues raised in each chapter. Contents Preface List of Tables Introduction One. Constitution and Federalism Historical Evolution of the U.S. Constitution Historical Evolution of American Federalism U.S. Constitution and American Federalism Today The Importance of Citizenship in a Republic Knowledge Matters Citizen Homework Two. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Historical Evolution of Civil Liberties Historical Evolution of Civil Rights Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Today The Importance of Citizenship in a Republic Knowledge Matters Citizen Homework Three. Voting and Elections Historical Evolution of Voting Historical Evolution of Elections Voting and Elections Today The Importance of Citizenship in a Republic Knowledge Matters Citizen Homework Four. Mass Media, Interest Groups, and Public Opinion Historical Evolution of the Mass Media Historical Evolution of Interest Groups Historical Evolution of Public Opinion The Mass Media, Interest Groups, and Public Opinion Today The Importance of Citizenship in a Republic Knowledge Matters Citizen Homework Five. Congress and Political Parties Historical Evolution of Congress Historical Evolution of Political Parties Congress and Political Parties Today The Importance of Citizenship in a Republic Knowledge Matters Citizen Homework Six. Presidency and the Executive Branch Historical Evolution of the Presidency Historical Evolution of the Executive Branch The Presidency and the Executive Branch Today The Importance of Citizenship in a Republic Knowledge Matters Citizen Homework Seven. Supreme Court and Federal Judiciary Historical Evolution of the Supreme Court Historical Evolution of the Federal Judiciary The Supreme Court and Federal Judiciary Today The Importance of Citizenship in a Republic Knowledge Matters Citizen Homework Eight. Social, Economic, and Foreign Policy Historical Evolution of Social Policy Historical Evolution of Economic Policy Historical Evolution of Foreign Policy Social, Economic, and Foreign Policy Today The Importance of Citizenship in a Republic Knowledge Matters Citizen Homework Epilogue Notes Bibliography Index