The New American Democracy, 7th ed., offers a stimulating, analytical approach to American government and a unique perspective on contemporary politics with an emphasis on elections and their importance in the American political system.

The authors -- among the most well-known and well-respected scholars working in political science today --propose in their text that politicians today are perpetually engaged in the election process--a "permanent campaign"--which has profoundly affected how our government functions today. The proliferation of public opinion polls, the growing influence of the Internet, the ubiquitous nature of the news media, and the increasingly important role of interest groups-all demonstrate that America is moving toward a more popular democracy and have blurred the lines between politicians campaigning and governing.