The Roots of American Exceptionalism: Institutions, Culture and Policies [Hardcover]

How is the United States different in comparison to other states? Why is it different? Addressing these questions can only be done through comparison of distinctive historical development, paths of institutional evolution and cultural differences as they have developed and manifested themselves through different policies for similar problems. The United States is compared with Sweden on tax policy, Canada on financing medical care, France on abortion policy, and Japan on immigration. Ideal for classroom discussion, The Roots of American Exceptionalism is sure to generate debate and discussion.Introduction Tax Regimes in the United States and Sweden Financing Medical Care in the United States and Canada Abortion Policy in the United States and France Immigration and Citizenship in the United States and Japan Conclusions

This ambitious book is an ideal text for undergraduate and graduate courses in comparative politics, public policy, and American politics in comparative perspective. Lockhart offers a judicious appraisal of the complex factors that have produced nationally distinct policies and constrain innovative responses to new problems and crises. - Gary P. Freeman, University of

Texas

This is a very good, original, and interesting comparison of crucial and topical governmental policies that should appeal to students and produce productive discussions. The case chapters are excellent and provide a wealth of material. The analysis is crisp, and the writing is engaging. - Paul Manuel, Saint Anselm College

Charles Lockhart is one of the leading scholars in the world today in the field of political culture. In a study that contrasts the United States with Sweden, Canada, France and Japan, he explores how history, institutions and culture interact to produce distinctive national policies in the areas of taxation, medical care, abortion and immigration. The result is a provocative tour de force that brelC(