Taking sides: Clashing views on political issues

[This] is a debate-style reader designed to introduce students to controversies in politics. The readings, which represent the arguments of leading political scientists, lawmakers, and political commentators, reflect opposing positions and have been selected for their liveliness and substance and because of their value in a debate framework. For each issue, the editor provides a concise introduction and postscript summary. The introduction sets the stage for the debate as it is argued in the "yes" and "no" readings, and the postscript briefly reviews the opposing opinions and suggests additional readings on the controversial issue under discussion.