Understanding Politics Ideas, Institutions, and Issues

by Magstadt, Thomas M.; Schotten, Peter M.

• ISBN13: 9780312184490
• ISBN10: 0312184492
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-08-15
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

Premised on the authors' passionate belief that politics matters, the new edition of this best-selling introductory text examines the complexities of politics and government in fascinating detail. UNDERSTANDING POLITICS draws on the disciplines of political science, history, and philosophy to present a nuanced view of the political and economic forces that shape our world.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Study of Politics	1	(26)
Part I Comparative Political Systems
Utopias: Model States	27	(20)
Totalitarian States: Failed Utopias	47	(36)
Authoritarian States: Traditional Rule	83	(20)
Constitutional Democracy: A Popular Alternative	103	(13)
Part II Contemporary Political Systems
Forms of Democracy: The United States and Great Britain	116	(27)
Adaptations of Democracy: France, Germany, and Japan	143	(32)
Postcommunist States in Passage: Russia, China, and the former Yugoslavia	175	(39)
Developing Countries: Democracy or Dictatorship?	214	(30)
Part III Politics by Civil Means
Political Socialization: Becoming a Citizen	244	(23)
Political Participation: Citizenship in Action	267	(31)
Political Organization: Parties and Interest Groups	298	(23)
Political Leadership: Exceptional Leaders, Ordinary Politicians, Demagogues, and Citizen-Leaders	321	(30)
Approaches to the Public Good: Ideologies and Perspectives	351	(24)
Issues in Public Policy: Principles into Practice	375	(32)
Part IV Politics by Violent Means
Revolution: In the Name of Justice	407	(25)
Terrorism: Weapon of the Weak	432	(24)
War: Causes and Classification	456	(32)
Part V Politics and World Order
International Relations: The Struggle for Power	488	(24)
A New International Order: Patterns and Trends	512	(21)
International Law and Organizations: Collective Security and the Pursuit of Peace	533