American Government: Brief Version - Softcover

James Q. Wilson most recently taught at Boston College and Pepperdine University. He was Professor Emeritus of Management and Public Administration at UCLA and was previously Shattuck Professor of Government at Harvard University. He wrote more than a dozen books on the subjects of public policy, bureaucracy, and political philosophy. He was president of the American Political Science Association (APSA), and he is the only political scientist to win three of the four lifetime achievement awards presented by the APSA. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, in 2003. Professor Wilson passed away in March of 2012 after battling cancer. His work helped shape the field of political science in the United States. His many years of service to his American Government book remain evident on every page and will continue for many editions to come.

"This is an excellent, concise introduction to American government. The author's concluding chapter is a unique contribution to the genre of American government texts. I think students will find all the basic information they need to nurture their interest in politics."

"I've used Wilson's text for many years. I especially appreciate its balanced approach to politics, its emphasis on history and its thorough treatment of every significant aspect that should be covered in an introductory American government text. I've examined numerous American government texts--none come close to Wilson's."