Through a detailed exploration of the viewpoints involved, this balanced and incisive work promotes understanding of the most divisive issues in American government today. According to Larry J. Sabato, noted political scientist and director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, "Politics is a good thing!" Nevertheless, it would be hard to contest that political differences and partisanship have hampered America’s recovery from the Great Recession. With even the most enlightened politicians espousing vastly different views, it is no wonder that some of the most divisive—and interesting—debates today revolve around government and politics. Government and politics is an area in which there are no "right" answers, but much room for debate. Battleground: Government and Politics allows students and general readers alike to consider key political debates from all sides and to arrive at their own considered convictions, based on a firm understanding of the issues and points of view involved. This two-volume work explores dozens of the most contentious issues in contemporary life, issues that impact how our government is run today and how it will be run in the future. Each topic is examined in a balanced way, providing not only an overview of the issues involved, but an objective assessment of the stance of all sides. Readers can use these entries as thorough and solid summaries of the most contentious controversies in contemporary society, or as starting points for more in-depth research into the debates. - Publisher.