Summary

As Russell Dalton has made vibrantly clear in earlier editions, people drive the democratic process: citizens, voters, protesters, campaign workers, community activists, party members, and political spectators. What the people think of political elites, whether they trust government, how they vote, and what they do or say about a whole host of political issues affect - greatly - the further development or erosion of democracy and democratic ideals. In his much-awaited fourth edition, Dalton offers the only truly comparative study of political attitudes and behaviour of the United States, Great Britain, France and Germany. Citizen Politics provides a comprehensive look at political values, political activity, voting, and public images of government within cross-national context. Thoroughly updated throughout, the book draws on the most recently available election studies, including results of the 2004 U.S. elections. Expanded coverage beyond the book's four core countries continues to broaden the book's focus and usefulness. Values Survey/European Values Survey, enabling instructors to assign well-integrated computer and research projects for their courses.