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American Politics: Bolinda Beginner Guides
- Narrated by: Adrian Mulraney
- Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
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Editorial reviews
Adrian Mulraney’s soothing and inviting Australian lilt guides the listener through Jon Roper’s thoroughly researched yet accessible primer on American politics, which spans the country’s inception in the Declaration of Independence to the historic election of Barack Obama, while providing historical context and insight into its core principles and foundations, such as the balance of power, the formation of parties, and policies regarding military intervention.
Regardless of one’s opinions on American policy, there’s no denying its influence stretches far and wide, and Roper’s intelligent and even-handed overview is a great place to start for those seeking to gain a better understanding of the U.S. political system.
Publisher's summary
To understand the world events today, you need to understand American politics. Exploring the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Jon Roper provides a sharp analysis of how history has shaped the way America governs itself.Examining the recent emergence of the right-wing Tea Party movement, President Obama’s administration, American foreign policy, and the role of powerful lobbies, this is the perfect primer for anyone interested in the world’s most powerful (and controversial) country.
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What listeners say about American Politics: Bolinda Beginner Guides
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
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- Adam
- 09-15-16
Thorough but boring
It might just be that I don't find politics interesting which is why I felt compelled to purchase this book so I could learn more.
I just found myself drifting off quite a lot during the audio.
Detailed overview of American political history and I'm sure I'll visit it again in the future.
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- Chris Campbell
- 11-26-16
Good history but far from instructional
If you're looking for a through history of the American political system, you'll be quite happy with this book. I personally found it to be quite good at explain what steps led to certain developments in the American political system. The neutral viewpoint of the book was largely refreshing rather than having bias towards either party that in my view poisons many core lessons when one wants to learn of politics. It was pure fact and causality (A+B=C), no agendas or propaganda to glorify or vilify either democrats or republicans.
That being said, if you're looking for a book that teaches you about the current political system down to the nuts and bolts, you'll probably be disappointed. Where it shines in history, it lacks in instruction. You get the why, but not the how. This was my biggest gripe about the book.
But that aside, the reader was well spoken and like I said earlier the history was very enlightening. I'd recommend it, so long as you temper your expectations a little.
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