Kirjahaku

Originally published in 1989, a guide for students coming for the first time to the study of democracy, who often find it difficult to trace the developement of the idea and to place it in historical context. In this accesible and informative text, Jon Roper introduces the reader to arguments for and against criticisms of the concept of democracy. He does so through examination of the statements and writings of major nineteenth-century politicians and philosophers, in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Originally published in 1989, a guide for students coming for the first time to the study of democracy, who often find it difficult to trace the developement of the idea and to place it in historical context. In this accesible and informative text, Jon Roper introduces the reader to arguments for and against criticisms of the concept of democracy. He does so through examination of the statements and writings of major nineteenth-century politicians and philosophers, in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Contours of American Politics takes a fresh look at the political culture of the United States. In its complexity and diversity, America fascinates. Its politics are brash and exciting, and its political impact upon the wider world is profound. This book examines not simply the mechanics of America's political system but also the ideas and principles that shape its values. Drawing on a diverse range of interdisciplinary material, the book maps the landscape of contemporary American political culture and identity. It surveys the nation's past as a critical and formative influence upon its present. It argues that religious beliefs, together with patterns of immigration and migration westwards across the continent, create the landscape of America's contemporary political culture. Roper examines the "politics of nostalgia" the roots of American democracy, and the framework of the federal government. Other topics covered include the nature of political power, the influence of the media, the stratification of American society in terms of race, class and gender, and the cultural sensibilities that underpin foreign policy. The Contours of American Politics is an excellent guide to the nation's political thinking, its attitudes and its political processes at the end of the "American Century" and at the beginning of the new millennium. It will be essential reading for undergraduates studying American Politics, American Culture, and International Relations.

A study of the political culture of the United States, this examines not simply the mechanics of America's political system but also the ideas and principles which shape its values. Using interdisciplinary material, it maps the landscape of contemporary American political culture and identity.

With its cold war enemies led by dictators who promoted the myth of their heroic leadership, how might democratic America respond? This book looks at how John F. Kennedy confronted this challenge, moulding the narratives of 'consensus history' into the activist rhetoric of the New Frontier. It examines how his image, heroic style of leadership, and legacy - America's war in Vietnam - impacted upon his successors. Covering the period from 1960 to the present and against the background of key contemporary events, the book draws upon a wide variety of sources to illuminate its subjects. After Kennedy, hero, came Lyndon Johnson, casualty of war; Richard Nixon, heroic failure; Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, faith-healers; Ronald Reagan, star; George Bush, deputy; and Bill Clinton, survivor. From Kennedy's inauguration to Clinton's impeachment hearings, the book examines the development of the character of the contemporary presidency during one of the most fascinating and turbulent periods in its history. Written in an engaging and accessible style, it offers a challenging and provocative synthesis of the subject as well as exploring new ground.

This unparalleled, fully updated reference book is a detailed guide to the 47 personages to have held the highest-ranking political office in the United States government. The book opens with a brief history of the events that led to the Thirteen Colonies declaring independence from Britain. It recounts the details of how a new union of states was forged and a system of government established in which the head of state would be checked and balanced by the Houses of Congress and the Supreme Court.As ceremonial head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the office of president is one of the most powerful and influential in the world. Beginning with George Washington, the author provides a factual analysis of each of the men who have held high office, and how each has shaped the presidency and been defined by the role. Many have become synonymous with major events of world history, for example, Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, Teddy Roosevelt and the building of the Panama Canal, and Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal. Some presidents have disappeared quietly from public life, while others have courted controversy, or have been infamously indicted, impeached, or assassinated. Key facts about each president, their term in office and their life story are presented within the context of the domestic and international events of the time.More than 500 contemporary photographs, fine-art paintings, and maps help to provide a visual account for each presidency, making this book a valuable reference source for every reader interested in the social and political history of the United States.

The American president is the most powerful and influential political leader in the world. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, head of state and head of government, a handful of men have been elected to this exalted position. This visual directory of the early presidents of America looks at the roll call of the first men voted to high office. Their social backgrounds, education, military or legal training and career path to the presidency are presented along with an insightful analysis of the success each made of the role as statesman and politician. Illustrated with over 225 stunning archive photographs and paintings, this fascinating and accessible volume explores the formation of the United States and the political leaders who helped to steer a course through a century of domestic and international history.

From Theodore Roosevelt to Barack Obama, this is a presidential roll call from 1901 to the current day. This title provides an overview of the memorable figures who have made their mark on American political history including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D Roosevelt, John F Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Barack Obama. It includes an analysis of each leader as politician, statesman and private individual, setting each president in the context of major social, political and economic developments, and discussing their influence on the course of history. It charts the momentous social and economic history of the times, including the building of the Panama Canal, the San Francisco earthquake, the Wall Street Crash, silent movies, radio, television, space travel and the internet, as well as the rise of popular culture. It analyzes the implications and lasting legacies of war including World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars, the Iraq War and the war on terror, as well as international crises that have altered the course of world diplomacy. The 20th century proved to be one of immense and rapid social and economic change for the United States of America. This illustrated encyclopedia of the presidents from 1901 presents a factual account of each of the presidents who have stood for office, and sets them within context of the times in which they each presided. Many have become synonymous with domestic and international events, such as Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal, Richard Nixon and Watergate, Ronald Reagan and Star Wars, and Jimmy Carter and the Iranian hostage crisis. Alongside each of the presidential portraits are snapshots of industrial, economic, social and political developments that have changed the world, such as Henry Ford and the mass production of the motor car, the invention of the atomic bomb, the collapse of communism and international terrorism. More than 240 photographs, facsimile newsreel images, maps and fine art paintings help to provide a visual account of each presidential era, making this book a valuable reference for those interested in America's social and political history.

To understand the world events today, you need to understand American politics. Exploring the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Jon Roper provides a sharp analysis of how history has shaped the way America governs itself. Examining the recent emergence of the right-wing Tea Party movement, President Obama's administration, American foreign policy, and the role of powerful lobbies, this is the perfect primer for anyone interested in the world's most powerful (and controversial) country.