For students, Han (political science, Chapman U.) explores the role of women in the US political process and if their presence has brought any significant changes in public policies or how government operates. Looking at the topic from a traditional political science perspective, she discusses the history of women as political leaders and the history of the women's movement and its leaders; women's leadership and challenges associated with the current political environment; their impact as citizens, voters, candidates, and office holders in Congress and state legislatures, executive positions at the federal, state, and local levels, and the federal and state judicial branches; how government policies like those on welfare, health care, and education affect women; and when the US will elect its first female president. This edition has been expanded and updated to include recent changes like Nancy Pelosi's ascent to speaker of the House and Hillary Clinton's run for the presidency. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)