Canon and co-authors (all political science, U. of Wisconsin-Madison) present the fifth edition of this reader appropriate for advanced high school and undergraduate courses in American government, political science, and debate. The 84 readings, about 35 of which are new to this edition, present opposing sides in historical and current debates over American government and the reinforcement of the constitution. Organized under the main categories of the constitutional system, institutions, political behavior and participation, and public policy, debate issues include: civil liberties and civil rights, presidential politics and power, pork barrel economics, congress and the supreme court, medical marijuana, U.S. intelligence after 9/11, news vs. entertainment, election fraud and voter suppression, the two-party system, free-market vs. universal health care, and foreign policy and the war on terror. Appendices contain excerpts from supreme court decisions as well as the declaration of independence, the constitution, and its amendments. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less