American Politics Laura Locker & Julia Scheele

“American Politics: A Graphic History” by Dr. Laura Locker and illustrator Julia Scheele offers a unique, comic-book style introduction to the complex political landscape of the United States. Following the success of similar graphic guides, this book aims to demystify American politics for a broad audience. It delves into the nation’s political history, exploring key questions such as how a political outsider like Donald Trump won the 2016 election, the depth of sentiment surrounding gun rights, and the viability of a multi-party system in the U.S. The authors emphasize that politics extends beyond the halls of power in Washington D.C., stemming from the dynamic interaction between the state and society, and the daily lives of American citizens. Through engaging illustrations and accessible text, the graphic guide covers a wide range of topics, including the United States’ political culture, the Constitution and the balance of power, significant social movements, the influential role of the media, and ongoing tensions related to race, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. It provides an upbeat and optimistic perspective, asserting that even significant political challenges cannot undermine a robust democracy.