Book Description
This best-seller stands apart from others of its kind by its comparative approach, patient explanation, concern with policy, and ability to stimulate readers' interest. In a clear, accessible style, the authors demonstrate the important role that American states and communities play in the political life of the nation.
Focuses on the sources and nature of conflict in states and communities, along with the structures and processes designed to manage conflict. Includes updates and new topics throughout, with refocused organization; discusses timely issues such as New York City's response to terrorism and the 2000 presidential race. Examines the background and career of prominent political figures. Illustrates a wide variety of current political conflicts, covering issues such as the drinking age and the right to bear arms. Includes informative and entertaining discussion on various aspects of American states and communities such as state birds, nicknames, and ratings for the "most livable" states. provides end-of-chapter "On the Web" sections that direct students to links and additional information on the Internet.
For anyone interested in learning more about the American political process.
Book Description
This leading introduction to public policy is designed to provide learners with concrete tools for not only understanding public policy in general, but for analyzing specific public policies. It focuses on what policies governments pursue, why governments pursue the policies they do, and what the consequences of these policies are. Very contemporary in perspective, it introduces eight analytical models currently used by political scientists to describe and explain political life and then, using these various analytical models—singly and in combination—explores specific public policies in a variety of key domestic policy areas. For individuals interested in a summary of current public policy in a variety of areas.
Customer Reviews:
Public Policy.......2007-05-14
Well written book, however the author does slant some of his writings towards his own opinion. The editor should find a new job! Numerous typos throughout the book.
Good introduction to public policy.......2007-03-30
Thomas Dye is an eminent political scientist. His textbook on public policy is one of the standards. It may not be elegantly written, but it remains one of the popular texts in the field.
Its key distinguishing figure is the contention that we need to be aware of different "models" of politics as these inform our understanding of public policy. Models are simplifications of reality to highlight certain key aspects of a phenomenon--in this case policy.
A series of models is outlined in chapter 2: institutionalism, process, rationalism, Incrementalism, group theory, elite theory, public choice theory, and game theory. One could add others, of course, but these are the ones used by Dye. The third chapter discusses the standard perspective on the stages of the policy process--from problem identification and agenda setting to policy evaluation.
Subsequent chapters examine different policy areas as these might be elucidated by various models of the policy process (e.g., group politics and education policy or Incrementalism in economic policy or game theory and defense policy, to illustrate).
While, in many senses, this is not an exciting volume, it provides a useful introduction to the policy process and those models that are often used to explain what happens.
Disappointing and shallow.......2000-05-16
This book attempts to present public policy theories (incrementalism, group theory, elitism and so on) together with a number of concrete applications, in order to demonstrate how different theories highlights different aspects of policy making. It is not so much a matter of which theory is correct, but which theory is useful to analyze a certain issue. All this is of course very fine.
The problem with the book is that the theories are presented so briefly, and the analyses are so shallow, that the student cannot possibly get a good grasp of what is really going on. The basic concept "policy process" is not dealt with until chapter 14 (of 15 chapters)! Only 4 pages are devoted to the fundamental problem of agenda-setting. Further, the book lacks references to most of the exciting current litterature in the field. The interested student will not find many suggestions on how to move on from this book.
The author seems to be much more interested in describing policies than analyzing them. Indeed, the book does offer some nice case studies on important American policy issues, like abortion, arms race, and nuclear power. These cases could perhaps be used as material for exercises, but look elsewhere for theory.
If you are looking for an introduction to theories of public policy I would recommend Howlett & Ramesh: "Studying Public Policy" instead of this book -- it is slightly older, but still more up-to-date. But if you want a 300-page description of American policies in different policy areas, then look no further.
Book Description
Arguing that the power in America is concentrated in large institutions, this book studies the people at the top of these institutions—who they are, how much power they wield, and how they came to power. Tom Dye has chronicled the national leadership since the Nixon-Ford years, each edition featuring the current president and his staff. The seventh edition focuses on the new Bush administration and the contrast it will bring to Washington following 8 years of Clinton dominance. The commentary is supported by years of data analysis involving more than 7000 institutional elites, which includes governmental and corporate leaders. This edition describes the return of the Bush dynasty to power. It includes a new chapter on “The Money Elite”, describing the power of the banking and financial community as well as the Federal Reserve Board; Chapter 7 now covers important issues concerning elite interlocking, recruitment, social characteristics, class, and factionalism; the discussion of “How Institutional Leaders Make Public Policy” has been expanded greatly in Chapter 8; several discussions have been added, including “The Globalization of Economic Power,” “The Battle for IBM,” “Alan Greenspan: Ruling over Money,” “Hillary Clinton: Power and Ambition,” and “Liberal and Conservative Factions among Elites”.
Customer Reviews:
Elite View of American Politics.......2003-05-04
Pretty good book about political elites in the United States. Its strongest point is its empirical discussion of personalities and of groups that have a lot of power in America. Even though the book has been through seven editions, including one following election 2000, some information needs to be updated. This is true, for example, of the discussion about the richest people in America.
The theoretical model I found a bit tangled and not one hundred percent persuasive. I am on the side of the author as far as the major thesis, but I think theoretically this is not the last word on the elite theory of American politics, nor is the book astonishingly creative from the theoretical standpoint.
I also needed more persuasion as far as some specific hypotheses. For example the role of endowments and foundations was presented as a truly major role. Most textbooks on American politics do not even mention endowments and foundations that support academic and scientific research. Much less do most textbooks on the subject consider endowments and foundations to be key players.
Nevertheless, it is a clear no-nonsense book and easy to read, especially if you are interested in politics. I thought it had a nice introductory chapter, paying homage to some of the early great elite theorists, such as Vifredo Pareto, Robert Michels, and Gaetano Mosca.
I recommend it to undergraduate students in American politics and political theory.
Book Description
This highly-regarded introduction to politics in America is clearly and concisely written, providing the reader with a great basis for understanding our political system. Included in this edition is a study of politics in Texas, an important facet of politics in our country. With its timely illustrations, case studies, and explanation of current controversies, it is a must-read for anyone interested in how our political system functions. This lively, absorbing narrative examines the struggle for power: the participants, stakes, processes, and the institutional arenas. This Texas edition includes additional chapters concerning politics in that state: the social and economic milieu; the Texas Constitution; interest groups, political parties and elections; the legislature; the executive branch and bureaucracy; the judiciary; and local government in Texas. For anyone interested in our American political system; especially those with an interest in Texas politics, including government workers, policymakers, and politicians.
Customer Reviews:
Politics in America, National Version by Thomas R. Dye [Hardcover] .......2005-09-22
I am well satisfied with the purchase of this book, Great seller and price.
good overview of government, though a bit biased.......2002-11-10
Overall this book is a good overview of the american political system. The structures of the beurocracy, executive, congressional, and judicial branches are covered very thoroughly. However, I found that the author inserted a bit too much of his own Republican biases in it. There is a whole section devoted to "government waste" - a common election tactic by Republicans. While it is true that the government is wasteful- all beurocracies are to some extent- a recent survey showed the US gov't to be the 3rd most efficient in the world. Also, sprinkled throughout the book are convinient three paragraph long and very shallow "Counterpoints" which try to convince readers of republican principles from the flat tax to the abolition of affirmative action. The most egragrious offenses come in various profiles "people in polics" of various leaders in politics. Invariably, the Republicans profiled have their personal strengths asserted with a folksy charm, while the Democrats are given a far away overview as well as mention of some trivial personal faults (Barbara Boxer's overdrafts from the House banks- a trivial issue in the big picture of things- is in her bio). And of course there are also the "Liberal ratings" in it- with the late Paul Wellstone topping the list. In addition to all of this, the general wording of the book and word choice used betrays the clearly Republican biases of the author. Overall the book is not a bad book, it does a good and thorough job at outlining the structure of the federal government, however, reader beware of the biases of the author.
Good introductory-level textbook........2000-08-06
I just finished taking a class called "Introduction to American Politics" and this was our only textbook. I found the textbook to be easy to read, clearly written, and factually accurate. I fear that many students, like myself, who have already studied some in this area may find the book to be too simplified, and will get bored reading about the basics of material which is already familiar to them. The book is great for the novice, but is definitely not upperclassmen material.
Book Description
The elites and not the masses govern our country is the theme of this affordable THOMSON ADVANTAGE BOOKS version ofTHE IRONY OF DEMOCRACY. Known for its "elitist approach" to American Government, this text presents its argument in a new context--the politics of the 21st century--including the Clinton and Bush Administrations effects on government and politics the U.S.
Book Description
Politics in America, written by the well-known political scientist Tom Dye, presents a clear, concise introduction to the American political system. His lively, absorbing narrative examines the struggle for power: “Who gets what, when, and how”. This Basic Version of the popular book includes current coverage of our political system, and covers such topics as: political culture, the constitution, the participants and the party system, institutions such as Congress, the Presidency, and the Courts, and personal liberties and civil rights. For anyone interested in reading about the American political system, including government employees, political workers, and policymakers.
Book Description
For courses in American Government.
With a focus on conflict and the struggle for power, this textbook ignites students' interest in American politics.
This balanced and exceedingly readable text uses Harold Laswell's classic definition of politicsââWho gets what, when, and howââas a framework for presenting a clear, concise, and stimulating introduction to the American political system. Updated with discussions of recent events in our country, well-known political scientist Tom Dye has written a lively and absorbing narrative examining the struggle for power: the participants, the stakes, the processes, and the institutional arenas. An abundance of feature boxes explore timely issues and opinions, draw cross-cultural comparisons, and introduce important people.
Book Description
Understand the nature and use of power in society with POWER AND SOCIETY with InfoTrac®! Providing an introduction to key concepts in anthropology, sociology, economics, psychology, political science, and history, this philosophy text introduces you to some of the central challenges facing American society such as ideological conflict, racism and sexism, poverty and powerlessness, crime and violence, community problems, and international relations. Features such as Masters of Social Thought, Case Studies, Controversies in the Social Sciences, a running marginal glossary, and the book-specific website enhance your understanding of the material and help you get a better grade.
Customer Reviews:
Intensive / Extensive.......2006-11-04
An excellent examination of how societies - this one in particular - are structured. It gets three stars because I don't think the author grasps as Du Bois would say, 'The Negro Question' very well. At best, it's generic. I also think he places an inordinate amount of validity in the U.S. Government. The inter-disciplinary approach is logical. Side note: the book was written in the mid '80's so the Soviet Union is still in full stride. Retrospectively, the rudiments of their collapse is ostensible in terms of militaristic expenditures and overall paranoia. The chapter on 'Psychology and Power' is exceptional. Ultimately, the book is informative on American society and should be read by the inquisitve.
Average customer rating:
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Politics in America, Brief Edition
Thomas R. Dye
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