American Difference

Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1: American Politics from a Comparative Perspective What Does It Mean to Examine American Politics from a Comparative Perspective? Is American Democracy the Best Type of Democracy? Why Is It Important to Examine American Politics from a Comparative Perspective? What to Expect in the Following Chapters How to Use This Book Key Terms Review Questions Notes Chapter 2: Similarities between the United States and Other Democracies Definition of Democracy Procedural Democracy Public Contestation (Competition) and Inclusion (Participation) Freedoms Socioeconomic Development Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 3: American Exceptionalism Differing Views of Governing Legitimacy Functional Explanations for American Exceptionalism Social Democracy and Liberal Democracy Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 4: Political Beliefs: Political Culture and Ideology Political Culture Civic Culture Political Engagement: Political Interest Interpersonal Trust, Reciprocity, and Social Capital Political Efficacy: Free Choice and Control over Life Distinction of American Cultural Beliefs Individualism and Economy Ideology Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 5: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Explaining Differing Levels of Civil Rights and Liberties Civil Liberties in Practice Civil Rights in Practice Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 6: Constitutional Arrangements Constitutional Arrangement: Constitutional Longevity Constitutional Arrangement: Majoritarian and Consociational Democracies Vertical Organization of Government: Unitary, Federal, and Confederal Systems Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 7: Governing Institutions National Governing Institutions The Legislative Branch The Executive Branch Judiciary Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 8: Interest Groups Interest Groups, Social Movements, and Social Movement Organizations Interest Group Life Cycle Pluralist Versus Neo-Corporatist Interest Group Arrangements Why Pluralist or Neo-Corporatist? Role of Interest Groups in the United States Historically and Today Types of Groups New Social Movements How Do Groups Participate in Politics? Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 9: Political Parties Party History and Formation American Party Development-Why Aren't Parties as Strong? The Founding and the Aversion to Parties The Nature of American Parties Where Are the American Cleavages? Role of Parties in Government American Two-Party System Versus Other Party Systems An Americanization of Parties Elsewhere or More Party Government in the United States? Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 10: Elections and Electoral Institutions Candidate Selection Electoral Institutions Plurality, Majority, and Proportional Representation Systems Consequences of Electoral Systems Conclusion Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 11: Electoral Behavior Introduction Context of Elections and Campaigns Voting Behavior: Electoral Participation Political Party Mobilization: Weak Party Organization in the United States Campaign Information Flow Clarity of Electoral Choice: Liberalism and Limited Government Evaluating the Consequences of the Electoral Context on Voter Participation Electoral Behavior: Determinants of Vote Choice Nonvoting Behavior Consequences of Electoral Laws, Context, and Voting for Democracy Conclusion Points to Remember Key Terms Review Questions Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 12: Conclusion Notes