A brief, debate-style reader that engages students in today’s political debates. The point-counterpoint approach of this brief reader encourages students to think critically about issues of major importance in American politics today from opposing perspectives.

This brief, debate-style reader engages students in today’s political debates. In each chapter, two or more readings present opposing perspectives on contemporary political issues. About half of the readings are new, and most address current issues such as immigration policy and income inequality. Headnotes in every chapter put the readings into a broader political context, and each chapter concludes with discussion questions that encourage students to think critically about the readings and the issues they raise.