Watts, D: Understanding American Government and Politics: Understanding Politics

After setting American politics in its social and economic context, the book provides an introduction to and analysis of the American constitution and the distribution of power within the federal system. It considers the executive branch - which is made up of the presidency, the presidential administration and the bureaucracy - before looking in depth at the legislature and the judiciary. The book considers the role of American political parties and pressure groups, and the nature of elections and electioneering and voting behaviour. Coverage is given to the Bush presidency and the 2004 election. The first administration under George W. Bush, the terrorist attacks of 11 September and the invasion of Iraq are included, giving students an understanding of the nature of presidential power.