The Enduring Debate

Canon, Coleman and Mayer (political science, U. of Wisconsin, Madison) present the sixth edition of this collection of whole and excerpted essays, major political documents, books, letters and speeches expressly for students of American political science. The volume includes introductions and suggested discussion questions for each selection, appropriate for an introductory college-course in American government. Divided into four major sections and sixteen chapters, the material is broadly organized around the constitutional system, political institutions, public opinion and political participation, and public policy. Each of the chapters hones a more specific topic such as "bureaucracy in a democratic system," and includes "debate the issue" selections that argue opposing perspectives around specific issues. The selections range from classical (Tocqueville, Lincoln) to contemporary (Obama, Geithner), liberal (McKibben, FDR) to conservative (Burke, Bush) to libertarian (Rauch)--although nothing from America's socialist tradition has been included. Regrettably there is no list of contributors, no index, no annotation and a minimal bibliography--making it hard to approach the text outside of a classroom. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)