Government By the People

Explore American politics through the Constitution
Government by the People provides a thorough, Constitution-based introduction to the foundational principles, processes, and institutions of American government. Throughout, authors highlight the central role that people play in a constitutional democracy, inspiring students to see how similarities and differences in political beliefs continue to shape government to this day.

Introduction: Government by the People

PART I: CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES

1. Constitutional Democracy

2. Constitutional Foundations

3. American Federalism

PART II: THE POLITICAL PROCESS

4. The American Political Landscape

5. Interest Groups: The Politics of Influence

6. Political Parties: Essential to Democracy

7. Public Opinion, Ideology, Participation, and Voting

8. Campaigns and Elections: Democracy in Action

9. The Media and U.S. Politics

PART III: POLICY-MAKING INSTITUTIONS

10. Congress: The People's Branch

11. The Presidency

12. Federal Bureaucracy and Public Policy Process: Creating and Executing the Laws

13. The Judiciary: The Balancing Branch

PART IV: RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES

14. Civil Liberties: Protections Under the Bill of Rights

15. Civil Rights: Equal Rights Under the Law

PART V: THE POLITICS OF NATIONAL POLICY  

16. Making Economic Policy

17. Making Social Policy

18. Making Foreign and Defense Policy

 

---

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Charter

PAC CHARTER AND CONSTITUTION

Training

Blueprint for Building a PAC

Re-energizing Your PAC & Grassroots Program  

Your PAC Website

White paper

Forming an Association Political Action Committee

Summary of Laws and Policies for Political Action Committees Virginia 

PAC Bylaw Examples

SAMPLE BYLAWS

American International Group, Inc.

National Society of Professional Engineers 

PayPal Political Action Committee (PAC)