American Politics: How It Really Works

Meltzer, Milton

ISBN 10: 0688074944 ISBN 13: 9780688074944

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1989

Synopsis

The award-winning author of "Poverty in America" provides a contemporary, clear-eyed, and useful account of the political process as it is shaped by federal, state, and local governments, the courts, the press, and the average citizen

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7-10-- Meltzer describes how the game of politics is played in our nation, explaining why it is often considered a very dirty game. He traces how political ideas and compromises have changed since the early years of the republic, and how problems and corruption in the process have led to increased voter dissatisfaction. He also discusses the branches of government, including both the official branches and the unofficial branches, showing how the phenomenal growth in government and the bureaucracy has led to increased corruption. He devotes an entire chapter to recent scandals in New York City, and closes with a plea for young people to become involved and help clean up politics and address our nation's problems. As usual, Meltzer's writing is clear and lively, with liberal use of examples. He describes the faults of both parties but also manages to push his own agenda and encourage readers to work for causes he supports. The black-and-white illustrations, done in a humorous and lively editorial cartoon format, add information and help convey the main points in the text. This is not as good as Weiss' Party Politics, Party Problems (Crowell, 1980; o.p.), an older but more comprehensive and objective look at the problems in politics. An additional purchase. --Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High Sch . , MO
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

In this subjective study of political institutions, Meltzer neglects some of the very techniques he uses to such advantage in his works of social history. There are, for the most part, no character sketches (as in The Terrorists ) and no extended anecdotes (as in Rescue: The Story of How Gentiles Saved Jews in the Holocaust ), even though people and their actions are the stuff of politics. The scope is unwieldy, too, thinly scanning the Constitutional Convention and the Wedtech scandal, with chapters on Congress ("most representatives . . . lead unrepresentative lives"), courts, campaigning and other subjects in between. There seems to be no salient, linking theme, unless it is Meltzer's disenchantment with the current political climate--he clearly fears for the public trust--or his desire to give a more truthful account of politics than textbooks do. This is a heartfelt book, but it is too simplified and not very engaging. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0688074944
• ISBN 13: 9780688074944
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 185
• Illustrator: Small David