Prompts students to consider how the past shapes the present and future of American politics and government.

Marc Landy is the Edward and Louise Peterson Professor of American History and Government at Ashland University and Professor of Political Science at Boston College. He is the co-author of Presidential Greatness (2000) and The Environmental Protection Agency: Asking the Wrong Questions From Nixon to Clinton (1994). He has written for many journals, including National Affairs, Political Science & Politics and Public Administration Review.

Part I. Formative Experiences: 1. Introduction; 2. Political culture; 3. Contesting the constitution; 4. Political development; Part II. Pivotal Relationships: 5. Federalism; 6. Political economy; Part III. Governing Institutions: 7. The congress; 8. The presidency; 9. The judiciary; 10. The bureaucracy; Part IV. Political Life: 11. Public opinion; 12. Political parties; 13. Campaigns, elections and media; 14. Political and civic participation: movements, lobbies, voluntary associations and the role of the media; 15. Concluding thoughts.