Understanding Politics Ideas, Institutions and Issues (with InfoTrac)

by Magstadt, Thomas M.

• ISBN13: 9780534603816
• ISBN10: 0534603815
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-08-12
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

UNDERSTANDING POLITICS is solidly based on three fundamental beliefs: that politics is a pervasive force in modern society, that government is too important to be left in the hands of the few, and that in a democracy everyone has both the opportunity and the obligation to participate in public life. Building on these beliefs, Thomas Magstadt seeks to "educate to participate"--giving students the confidence and competence to affect change in the world around them. This proven, best-selling introductory text examines the complexities of politics and government in a way that students will find immediately fascinating. Magstadt focuses on such pertinent concepts as democracy, dictatorship, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, leadership, ideologies, war, revolution, world politics, and public policy. Because these concepts are fundamental to the text, the book provides students with a view of the political and economic that is at once lucid, nuanced, and empowering.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Study of Politics

Part I: COMPARATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS

2. Utopias: Model States

3. Constitutional Democracy: The Revolution of Representation

4. Authoritarian States: Traditional Rule

5.Totalitarian States: Failed Utopias

Part II: ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING DEMOCRACIES

6. Parliamentary Democracy

7. States in Transition: New Democracies and Emerging Markets

8. Developing Countries: Democracy or Dictatorship? Part III: POLITICS BY CIVIL MEANS

9. Political Socialization: The Making of a Citizen

10. Political Participation: The Price of Influence

11. Political Leadership: The Many Faces of Power

12. Approaches to the Public Good: Ideologies and Isms

13. Issues in Public Policy: Principles, Priorities, and Practices

Part IV: POLITICS BY VIOLENT MEANS

14. Revolution: In the Name of Justice

15. Terrorism: Weapon of the Weak

16. War: Politics by Other Means

Part V: POLITICS WITHOUT GOVERNMENT

17. International Relations: The Struggle for Power

18. International Politics: The Struggle for Order

Glossary

Acknowledgments

Index