Unraveling the complexities of the U.S. political system, Geer/Herrera/Schiller/Segal's GATEWAYS TO DEMOCRACY, 5th edition, highlights the "gateways" that facilitate -- or block -- participation. Illustrating the relevance of government to your personal life, the authors explain how the political system works and how individuals and groups opened gates and overcame barriers to influence public policy. Completely up to date, the 5th edition includes expansive coverage of the 2020 elections, the COVID-19 pandemic, diversity (with a focus on Black and Latino activism), the advancement of LGBTQ rights and other issues reflecting America's changing demographic infrastructure. Supreme Court cases illustrate the constitutional context in which U.S. democracy has evolved, while a Political Analytics feature helps you evaluate the vast amounts of data in today's political discourse. Also available: MindTap.