"It is an exceptional textbook on American national government and one that I believe would be of great value to the student taking a course in this subject. It is exceptionally well-written, comprehensive, incorporates not only traditional material included in an American government text book but also incorporates this material with current issues and promotes critical thinking in the student. In my opinion, this book could not only serve as a textbook for a course but be a valuable reference book that a student could use long after the formal course is over. It highlights the dynamics of government, the issues of the basic belief in the American democratic system while raising the important questions of legitimacy and the need for participation by the student in the future. I would highly recommend this book and think it would meet and exceed the expectations of both an instructor and student.