The Essentials Edition of AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: INSTITUTIONS AND POLICIES sets the standard for students trying to successfully understand the American government. It examines current issues in American politics, focusing on the importance of American governmental institutions, the historical development of governmental procedures and policies as well as on who governs in the United States and to what ends. The sixteenth edition includes clear learning objectives and highlighted key concepts so you know exactly what to focus on. Links to contemporary debates on policy dynamics give you the opportunity to identify important issues in American politics, apply what you're learning and maximize your comprehension.