Gateways to Democracy

Perfect for Political Science majors and non-majors alike, Geer/Herrera/Schiller/Segal's GATEWAYS TO DEMOCRACY: AN INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT, ENHANCED 5th edition introduces students to the U.S. political system through the "gateways" framework. The authors use contemporary examples of groups and movements (#MeToo, Black Lives Matter, women, the Latino population, and the LGBTQ population) that have overcome obstacles, or gates, to influence government and public policy, while also inspiring students to participate in government by highlighting the open gateways that are ready and waiting for their involvement. A strong theoretical focus illuminates the political theories that underpin the policies and processes of all levels of American government. An increased focus on improving students' data analysis skills appears in the chapter openers. Each chapter opener asks students to analyze and discuss data relevant to the chapter topic. The authors balance theory and data analysis with an updated narrative featuring expansive discussions on election politics and their aftermath, including former President Trump's continuing influence on the Republican Party, the election and first half of Joe Biden's Presidency, and the 2022 midterm election. This edition's focus on diversity shows how the changing demographics of American society influences the political system. The authors tackle important issues like the reconfigured Supreme Court with Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson, gun control , and the abortion debate. With these examples in mind, students will learn how to open the "gates" in their lives and become informed voters who are active in their local, state, and national governments.