"This is a well-organized book that covers most of the good stuff we need to talk about in the `how the system works' part of my class. It is very effective at laying out the different goals and roles of each of the types of players in the policymaking world. My students love the book---it helps them make sense of the sometimes confusing interactions between players in the different domains, and students start to see the complexity of the whole system because of this book."---Charles Cushman, Georgetown University<BR><BR>"The great strength of this book is the individual chapters that cover different political actors. I know of no other book on the market that is organized in this very sensible manner. Indeed, in each of the chapters, the authors provide a useful review of key institutional arrangements that influence the policymaking process and key vocabulary associated with each branch of the government as it engages in policymaking. Their chapter on `Boardroom Polities' will open students' eyes and help them make sense of recent government bailouts of private enterprise. Simply put, it's a one of a kind textbook."---Scot Schraufnagel, University of Central Florida, Daytona<BR><BR>"Politics and Public Policy pulls off the rare feat of being both comprehensive and concise. All the essential components of policymaking are addressed, without overwhelming students with detail. The writing is crisp and engaging. I like that the book is organized by actors and that it includes a chapter on corporations and their role in economic policymaking, and one on the public and the role of public opinion in the policy process. The chapter on the courts is also better than what you see in most public policy texts."---Gregory McAvoy, University of North Carolina, Greensboro<BR><BR>"The authors examine the politics of policymaking in different venues---boardroom, cloakroom, etc.---which allows me to discuss the importance of the players and their strategic choices as they confront the rules and contexts in each arena."---Christine DeGregorio, American University