This title was first published in 2000:  An examination of some of the key themes and issues central to the understanding of the contemporary political scene in the USA at the beginning of the 21st century. Bringing together the work of a number of academics with expertise in the field, it focuses on the state of American democracy and the working of the nation's governmental and political institutions. The topics covered include: American society and the politics of "Balkanisation"; party politics in Congress since the Republican takeover of control; presidential power and the experience of the Clinton presidency; the making of foreign policy; the office of independent counsel after the Starr report; the Rehnquist Supreme Court in a post-civil rights era; the influence of the Christian right; the Republican Party policy agenda; campaign finance reform; elections, voting behaviour and campaigning; and the reshaping of the federal system.