We the People: An Introduction to American Politics, Essentials Edition 13th Edition by Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir et al. (2021)

We the People: An Introduction to American Politics, Essentials Edition, Thirteenth Edition is the most widely used American government textbook at the introductory level — the trusted, comprehensive resource for helping students understand the institutions, processes, and politics of American democracy. Published by W.W. Norton & Company, this Essentials Edition distills the full text into the core content most essential for introductory American politics courses, making it ideal for one-semester surveys.

Authored by a distinguished team of political scientists including Benjamin Ginsberg, Theodore J. Lowi, Margaret Weir, Caroline Tolbert, Robert Campbell, and Robert Spitzer, this authoritative text covers the full scope of American government with clarity, analytical rigor, and contemporary relevance. The 13th Edition has been carefully updated to reflect the most current developments in American politics, elections, policy, and constitutional law, ensuring students engage with the real, living system of government they inhabit as citizens.

The text connects foundational principles — the Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, and democratic institutions — to the current political landscape students read about in the news every day. It promotes civic literacy and political engagement, helping students understand how government works, who participates, and how political outcomes are shaped by institutions, interests, and ideas across the American political system.

Key topics include: the Constitution and founding, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion and political participation, political parties and elections, interest groups, Congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy, the judiciary, economic and domestic policy, and foreign policy. The essential introduction to American government for undergraduate courses in political science, public policy, and general education.