From the attempt to impeach Bill Clinton to the 2000 elections and George W. Bush's presidency, American politics has been marked by controversy. This text analyzes these events and provides an analysis of contemporary politics in the United States. Bringing together a series of scholars, the volume comprises ten essays on the complex character of America's divided democracy. Challenging conventional textbook wisdoms, the collection provides contemporary interpretations on American government institutions, public policies and popular culture - from jazz and rap to The Simpsons and South Park....