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Price: $74.95

Format:
Paperback 608 pp.
36 b/w photos, 62 figures, 10 tables, 73 boxes, 7" x 9"

ISBN-10:
0195431030

ISBN-13:
9780195431032

Copyright Year:
2009

Imprint: OUP Canada

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Canadian Democracy

An Introduction, Sixth Edition

Stephen Brooks

This new, revised edition of the best-selling introduction to Canadian politics examines the characteristics, complexities, and controversies of the subject in a way that is comprehensive yet comprehensible. While offering a thorough grounding in the basics of Canadian government - its institutions, ideologies, and processes - Canadian Democracy, Sixth Edition, focuses on issues of individual, group, and regional equalities and freedoms, and raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of Canadian democracy itself. Through its contemporary approach, this innovative text teaches readers to think critically through analysis of current issues, helping today's students become actively engaged citizens.

Readership : Canadian Democracy is a core text for Introduction to Canadian Politics (sometimes titled Introduction to Canadian Government) courses taught in second year out of Political Science Departments at Canadian universities. This course is required for Political Science majors.

Reviews

  • "Students appreciate the lively and informative style and find the content to be engaging and thought provoking without being needlessly complex." --Paul Nesbitt-Larking, UWO
  • "There is an evenness in style, voice, and level of analysis for the student. Students and teaching assistants find it accessible, clear, and relatively easy to digest." --Nelson Wiseman, U Toronto, St George Campus

Part One: Introduction
1. An Introduction to Political Life
Part Two: The Societal Context of Politics
2. Political Culture
3. The Social and Economic Setting
4. Regionalism and Canadian Politics
Part Three: The Structures of Governance
5. The Constitution
6. Rights and Freedoms
7. Federalism
8. The Machinery of Government
Part Four: Participation in Politics
9. Parties and Elections
10. Interest Groups
11. The Media
Part Five: Contemporary Issues in Canadian Political Life
12. Language Politics
13. Diversity and Politics
14. Aboriginal Politics
15. Canada in the World
Appendix A: Constitution Act, 1867 (as amended)
Appendix B: Constitution Act, 1982
Glossary
Index

Companion DVD - topics include women and politics, Canada-US relations, political participation, and immigration
Instructor's Manual (Online)
Test Generator (Online)
Podcasts (Online)
Student Study Guide (Online)
PowerPoint Slides
CBC News Clips (Online)
Interviews (DVD)
Image Bank

Stephen Brooks teaches in the areas of Canadian politics, public administration, and American politics, and his research interests include the political influence of intellectuals, political thought in Canada and the United States, and foreign perceptions of American politics and public policy. He has been a visiting professor at many institutions, including the University of Michigan, and, most recently, he spent seven months teaching Canadian politics in Paris, France.

Canadian Courts - Lori Hausegger, Matthew Hennigar and Troy Riddell
Contested Federalism - Herman Bakvis, Gerald Baier and Douglas Brown
Canadian Federalism - Edited by Herman Bakvis and Grace Skogstad

Special Features

  • Thoroughly revised. Every chapter has been revised in this sixth edition, with coverage of the 2008 federal election, the 2006 Canadian Election Study, the 2006 census, the World Values survey, language politics, diversity, Aboriginal politics, and Canada on the world stage, making this the most current text available.
  • Reinforces basic concepts. Coverage of nuts-and-bolts structures of Canadian government (e.g., the constitution, federalism, parties and elections, governmental 'machinery') and key features of the political process (e.g., interest groups, the media, diversity, language politics) provides students with a solid foundation for understanding Canadian government.
  • Encourages critical thought. Invites students to be active participants in their own education by continually asking them to consider the state of democracy in Canada.
  • Comparative approach. Helps students to determine the political role Canada plays in today's world and to grasp how outside influences shape Canadian politics.
  • Robust ancillary suite. A full supplement package, including a test generator, an instructor's manual, a student study guide, a DVD featuring interviews with important political figures, and MP3s of CBC News clips supports instructors and students alike while providing tools for in-depth engagement with the subject matter.
  • NEW! Includes full coverage of the 2008 Canadian and American elections and the "constitutional crisis" of December 2008.
  • NEW! Chapter 1 ('An Introduction to Political Life') and Part 5 ('Contemporary Issues in Canadian Political Life') have been extensively revised while Chapter 8 ('The Machinery of Government') has been expanded.
  • NEW! Institutional issues have been highlighted throughout and an index on the inside front cover will highlight sections on institutions.
  • NEW! Themed boxes draw students' attention to pertinent information. Boxes are themed as follows:
  • 'In the News' boxes focus on current events
  • 'Take 2' boxes focus on Canadian and global political issues
  • 'Institutions' boxes focus on institutional issues
  • NEW! Updated Aboriginal content (Caledonia conflict)
  • NEW! All figures, tables, and statistical data have been thoroughly updated with this edition
  • NEW! Incorporates a comparative and conceptual approach throughout
  • NEW! Fresh selection of editorial cartoons add immediacy and interest
  • NEW! Up-to-date research has been included throughout
  • NEW! Web links are included throughout to direct students to further relevant information