Empirical puzzles get students thinking like political scientists.The American Political System focuses on the core insights of political science that students need to understand American government. Each chapter is organized around the real-world puzzles that draw scholars and students alike to study American politics and provides a clear, consistent framework for thinking analytically about these questions.The 2014 Election Update editions have been updated to reflect the 2014 election results and other political developments, like the new limits on the filibuster.