This introductory reader in American politics takes an institutional approach to the topic and is guided by the basic assumption that political actors pursue goals informed by self-interest. Kernell (U. of California at San Diego) and Smith (Washington U. in St. Louis) have designed the reader with two audiences in mind: for those using the book as a supplemental text they have sought readings that illustrate the institutional perspective of the editors and for those using the book as core reading material for an American politics course they have attempted to make sure that the material assumes only an elementary knowledge of the subject. Fourteen chapters, containing an average of between three to four readings each, cover the logic of institutions; the constitutional framework; federalism; civil rights; civil liberties; the congress; the presidency; the bureaucracy; the judiciary; public opinion; voting, campaigns, and elections; political parties; interest groups; and the media. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less