Elliott Fullmer

Lively and straightforward, The Basics of American Politics offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government. Throughout the nine chapters, Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer engage readers in a complex "game" where government institutions and political players follow constitutional and other rules to gain power. The Basics reviews the original purpose, history and current performance of our democratic system and emphasizes the importance of civic trust in the political culture. A comprehensive yet compact set of features—including “Spotlight On,” “A Closer Look,” and “Case Study” boxes; chapter wrap-ups, Thought Questions, Learn the Terms glossary entries, and Suggested Readings—keep students engaged and offer professors easy “launching pads” into timely topics beyond the basic text. This affordable text is ideal for introductory courses on American government.

Lively and straightforward, The Basics of American Politics offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government. Throughout the nine chapters, Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer engage readers in a complex "game" where government institutions and political players follow constitutional and other rules to gain power. The Basics reviews the original purpose, history and current performance of our democratic system and emphasizes the importance of civic trust in the political culture. A comprehensive yet compact set of features—including “Spotlight On,” “A Closer Look,” and “Case Study” boxes; chapter wrap-ups, Thought Questions, Learn the Terms glossary entries, and Suggested Readings—keep students engaged and offer professors easy “launching pads” into timely topics beyond the basic text. This affordable text is ideal for introductory courses on American government.

Election Day, as it was once known, is no more. In 2020, with COVID-19 raging, over 60 percent of American voters cast early ballots. Even before the pandemic, more than one-third of voters routinely did so. Early voting represents a radical change in American elections. It means new options for voters, new procedures for election clerks, and new challenges for political candidates. In Tuesday’s Gone, Elliott Fullmer explores the effects of this new reality. Applying new data and innovative methods, he reports that early voting is bringing new citizens to the polls. Examining four recent elections, he finds that both early in-person and absentee options increase turnout by several points when aggressively implemented by state and local officials. But early voting does come with some side effects. Fullmer cautions that early voting increases down-ballot roll-off, widens racial disparities in voting access, and alters the competitive environment in presidential nomination contests.

Lively and straightforward, The Basics of American Politics offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government. Throughout this brief, student-friendly text, authors Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer employ a dynamic game metaphor to engage students in the basics of American government and the contact sport of politics. For introductory students of American government, this affordable text is especially ideal for advanced placement courses, community colleges, and international programs in American Studies. New to the 17th EditionCovers the personalities and actions of the new Biden administration, as well as wrapping up President Trump’s tumultuous final year in office (two impeachments, COVID, the Capitol riot)Updated to reflect the results of the 2022 midterm elections, and the impact of reapportionment and gerrymandering (based on the 2020 Census)Presents recent developments on the Supreme Court including appointment of two new justices and major decisions including those on abortion, voting rights, and LGBT rightsReflects changes in voting behavior in the 2020 and 2022 elections, as well as fights over voter suppressionExplores the ongoing crisis of misinformation and disinformationExpands the discussion of tribal politics and threats to democracyDiscusses student activism

Lively and straightforward, The Basics of American Politics offers a concise and accessible introduction to the nuts and bolts of the American system of government. Throughout this brief, student-friendly text, authors Gary Wasserman and Elliott Fullmer employ a dynamic game metaphor to engage students in the basics of American government and the contact sport of politics. For introductory students of American government, this affordable text is especially ideal for advanced placement courses, community colleges, and international programs in American Studies. New to the 17th EditionCovers the personalities and actions of the new Biden administration, as well as wrapping up President Trump’s tumultuous final year in office (two impeachments, COVID, the Capitol riot)Updated to reflect the results of the 2022 midterm elections, and the impact of reapportionment and gerrymandering (based on the 2020 Census)Presents recent developments on the Supreme Court including appointment of two new justices and major decisions including those on abortion, voting rights, and LGBT rightsReflects changes in voting behavior in the 2020 and 2022 elections, as well as fights over voter suppressionExplores the ongoing crisis of misinformation and disinformationExpands the discussion of tribal politics and threats to democracyDiscusses student activism

While great strides have been made since the Founding years, the United States continues to suffer from a high degree of political inequality. Some citizens have a louder voice in their democracy than others. Both the malapportioned Senate and Electoral College overrepresent Americans in small states, while gerrymandered districts poorly convert votes into power in the House of Representatives. More than four million Americans living in Washington, D. C., and the territories lack representation in Congress, while citizens everywhere face unnecessary burdens to cast ballots. Biased media and questionable political funding render it difficult to hold elected officials accountable. This book explores these formidable problems and identifies the path to securing a fairer, more representative political system. Sourcing solutions directly from the Constitution, chapters outline the tools that could limit malapportionment, expand voting rights, control the influence of big donors and more. Achieving these reforms, however, requires an engaged citizenry that demands change from those in power.

Election Day, as it was once known, is no more. In 2020, with COVID-19 raging, over 60% of American voters cast early ballots. Even before the pandemic, more than one-third of voters routinely did so. Early voting represents a radical change in American elections. It means new options for voters, a new set of procedures and responsibilities for election clerks, and new challenges for political candidates and operatives. In Tuesday's Gone, Elliott Fullmer explores the effects of this new reality. Applying new data and innovative methods, he reports that early voting is bringing new citizens to the polls and enhancing the quality of American democracy. Examining four recent elections, he finds that both early in-person and absentee options increase turnout by several points when aggressively implemented by state and local officials. Like any new public policy, however, early voting does come with some notable side effects. Fullmer cautions that early voting increases down-ballot roll-off, widens racial disparities in voting access, and alters the competitive environment in presidential nomination contests. He argues that these complications can (and should) be addressed so that early voting can fully deliver upon its promise.