This highly popular textbook has been written specifically to meet the needs of A2 students, providing comprehensive, accessible and up-to-date coverage of core topics in US and comparative government and politics. Carefully structured around the specifications, the textbook combines authoritative discussion with the latest facts and figures. Frequent Summary boxes and definitions of Key Terms aid comprehension and revision, while an Exam Focus section at the end of each chapter offers source-based exercises relating to the text and assignments for extension work, drawing on further reading. This bestselling textbook has been completely revised to meet the needs of A2 students using the recent A2 specifications. It provides comprehensive, accessible and up-to-date coverage of the US and comparative US/UK topics on the main exam board specifications. The third edition has been fully updated to include the 2008 presidential election.