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Chapter 1: Introduction
What Does it Mean to Examine American Politics from a Comparative Perspective?
Is American Democracy the Best Type of Democracy?
Why is it Important to Examine American Politics from a Comparative Perspective?
What to Expect in the Following Chapters
How to Use This Book
Chapter 2: Similarities Between The United States And Other Democracies
Introduction
Definition of Democracy
Procedural Democracy
Public Contestation (Competition) and Inclusion (Participation)
Freedoms
Socio-Economic Development
Conclusion
Chapter 3: American Exceptionalism
Introduction
Differing Views of Governing Legitimacy
Functional Explanations for American Exceptionalism
Social Democracy and Liberal Democracy
Conclusion
Chapter 4: Political Beliefs
Introduction
Political Culture
Civic Culture
Political Engagement: Political Interest
Interpersonal Trust, Reciprocity, and Social Capital
Political Efficacy: Free Choice & Control Over Life
Distinction of American Cultural Beliefs
Individualism and Economy
Ideology
Conclusion
Chapter 5: Political Institutions
Introduction
Majoritarian and Consociational Democracies
Governing Institutions
Vertical Organization of Government: Unitary, Federal & Confederal Systems
National Governing Institutions
The Executive
The Legislative Branch
Judiciary
Civil Law Legal Tradition Systems
Common Law Legal Tradition Systems
Conclusion
Chapter 6: Interest Groups
Introduction
Interest Groups, Social Movements, and Social Movement Organizations
Interest Group Life-Cycle
Pluralist versus (neo)Corporatist Interest Group Arrangements
Why Pluralist or Neo-Corporatist?
Role of Interest Groups in United States Historically and Today
Types of Groups
New Social Movements
How Do Groups Participate in Politics?
Conclusion
Chapter 7: Political Parties
Introduction
Party History and Formation
Party Formation as a Result of Democratization
American Party Development – Why Aren’t Parties as Strong?
The Nature of American Parties
Where are the American Cleavages?
Role of Parties in Government
American Two-Party System Versus Other Party Systems
An Americanization of Parties Elsewhere or More Party Government in US?
Conclusion
Chapter 8: Elections
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American difference : American politics from a comparative perspective by Lori Poloni-Staudinger. ISBN 9781483344348. Published by CQ Press in 2015. Publication and catalogue information, links to buy online and reader comments.