American Government and Politics Today: The Essentials

American Government and Politics Today: The Essentials, 20th Edition, is an introductory political science textbook published for higher education students. Authored by Barbara A. Bardes, Mack C. Shelley II, and Steffen W. Schmidt, this volume provides systematic coverage of core U.S. government structures and political practices. It aims to guide learners through foundational concepts in American politics while developing critical analytical skills.

The material focuses on contemporary national events, presenting dedicated analysis of the 2020 presidential and congressional elections. Beyond electoral dynamics, the coverage addresses major societal challenges, including the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing issues of racial injustice, accounts of police brutality, and broad trends in economic inequality.

This textbook connects directly with Cengage's MindTap online learning platform, giving instructors and learners digital tools for practice and study. The content is tailored for college-level courses in American government that require a focused overview of core national processes.