Engage, Debate, Participate: United States Government

Engage, Debate, Participate presents important theories and concepts in political science and shows how these apply in real-world politics while giving readers insight into political science research. The material, which is presented in puzzles, encourages readers to critically evaluate both sides of controversial issues, and engage with the adversarial and challenging side of contemporary American politics.

Students will learn the historic origins, developments, and characteristics of America as a nation. They will understand the institutions and processes of government, and the current issues confronting the political system. They will explore the use of empirical data to evaluate social processes and events, and consider America's role in the international system.

In their roles as active learners, students will construct effective political arguments and become informed and active political participants. Students will learn the reasoning that is entailed in decision-making including concepts such as authority, responsibility, fairness, liberty and empathy.

Engage, Debate, Participate helps students gain the tools needed to be informed consumers of political information and productive citizens. The book is an excellent choice for undergraduate courses in introductory political science and American government.

Jennifer Byrne holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Arizona. She is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she teaches courses in American national government, immigration policy, and race and politics. Her articles have appeared in Politics & Policy, and Refugee Survey Quarterly. She has presented at regional and national conferences, as well as internationally in India, Uganda, South Africa, Canada, and Wales. Dr. Byrne is a member of the American Political Science Association and the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration.