Bardes/Shelley/Schmidt's AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TODAY, THE ESSENTIALS, 20th Edition, equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to become an active, informed participant in the U.S. political process. Making politics personal, it focuses on how government impacts you -- now and in the future. Unbiased, concisely organized and updated with 2020 election analysis, it delivers thorough coverage in a streamlined, easy-to-read format. Emphasizing critical thinking about political issues, it encourages you to become involved in the political process. Current, compelling and thought-provoking examples offer insight into such pressing issues as the global COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, police brutality, economic inequality and more. Giving you anywhere, anytime study tools, the MindTap online learning solution is available and integrated with this text.