In the Ninth Edition, American Government: Power and Purpose maintains the analytical rigor, focused pedagogy, and judicious use of relevant history that have distinguished it as the authoritative text for American government courses. Retaining the analytical framework that first appeared in the Seventh Edition, the Ninth Edition emphasizes five core "Principles of Politics":
1. All political behavior has a purpose
2. All politics is collective action
3. Institutions matter
4. Political outcomes are the