This reader offers two readings per chapter organized in a debate-style format, representing opposing viewpoints. The straightforward, thought-provoking presentation facilitates classroom discussion.</p>

Chapter 4, Civil Society, contains essays by Robert Putnam, "Bowling Alone: The Collapse of American Community," and William A. Galston and Peter Levine, "America's Civic Condition: A Glance at the Evidence."

Chapter 8, Public Opinion: The American People After September 11, includes two new essays: "Age of Conflict," by David Brooks and "Which America Will We Be Now?" by Bill Moyers.

Chapter 10, Political Parties and Elections: What Was the 2000 Presidential Contest About? includes articles by David Brooks, "One Nation, Slightly Divisible," and Lani Gunier, "What We Must Overcome."

Chapter 12, Local Democracy, contains essays for and against suburban sprawl and governance by Gregg Easterbrook and Todd Swanstrom.

Chapter 14, The Presidency: How Much Difference Does the Individual Make? features new essays by Fred Greenstein, "Lessons from the Modern Presidency," and Stephen Skowronek, "The Changing Political Structures of Presidential Leadership."

Chapter 18, U.S. Foreign Policy: What Should It Be After September 11? includes articles by Charles Krauthammer, "The Real New World Order," and Benjamin R. Barber, "On Terrorism and the New Democratic Realism."