With new engaging features and as part of the Wadsworth Advantage Series, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY: BRIEF EDITION, 2008-2009 highlights today's controversial issues and shows how you can become involved in American government and make a difference as an active, informed citizen. Praised for its balanced and up-to-the-minute coverage, this book focuses on the fundamentals -- the constitutional, governmental, political, social, and economic structures and processes that are the core of American government. The text also includes coverage of policy and analysis issues.