The Essentials versions of GATEWAYS TO DEMOCRACY introduces readers to the American political system, pointing out in each chapter the "gateways" that facilitate, or at times block, participation. In emphasizing how the political system works-and how individuals and groups have opened gates to influence public policy-the book helps readers see the relevance of government in their lives. The third edition provides coverage of the 2014 midterm elections as well as enhanced discussion of the politics, policies, and issues affecting Latinos in the United States. MindTap(TM) for American Government, Cengage Learning's fully online learning solution, is automatically included with each new copy of this book.

John G. Geer (PhD, Princeton University) is vice provost for academic and strategic Affairs, the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science, and co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll. Geer has published widely, including In Defense of Negativity, which won the Goldsmith Prize from the Shorenstein Center at Harvard University. Geer has been a visiting scholar at Harvard University and Princeton University. Geer teaches Introduction to American Politics, as well as specialty courses on elections and campaigns. His teaching has won numerous teaching awards at both Arizona State University and Vanderbilt University. Geer is a frequent commentator in the press, with appearances on all the major networks (e.g., Fox News, CBS Evening News, CNN), and he has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the LA Times. He also has done interviews for major international outlets, such as BBC and Al Jazeera.