Understanding Politics Ideas, Institutions, and Issues

by Magstadt, Thomas M.

• ISBN13: 9780495503309
• ISBN10: 0495503304
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-29
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

UNDERSTANDING POLITICS: IDEAS, INSTITUTIONS, AND ISSUES, Eighth Edition, is the best way to empower yourself with an understanding of the political forces that shape the United States and the world. With best-selling author Thomas Magstadt as your guide, you will gain a rich understanding of politics as a pervasive force in our society. You?ll explore the concepts of democracy, dictatorship, citizenship, and leadership. Not only will you come away with a solid grasp of politics but also with a better understanding of human nature, society, and the world!

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Study of Politics

The Idea of the Public Good: Ideologies and Isms

Comparative Political Systems: Models and Theories

Utopias: Model States

Constitutional Democracy: Models of Representation

The Authoritarian Model: Myth and Reality

The Totalitarian Model: False Utopias

Established and Emerging Democracies

Parliamentary Democracy

States in Transition: Between Democracy and Yesterday

Developing Countries: Democracy or Dictatorship?

Politics by Civil Means: Citizens, Leaders, and Policies

Political Socialization: The Making of a Citizen

Political Participation: The Price of Influence

Political Leadership: The Many Faces of Power

Issues in Public Policy: Principles, Priorities, and Practices

Politics by Violent Means: Revolution, War, and Terrorism

Revolution: In the Name of Justice

Terrorism: Weapon of the Weak

War: Politics by Other Means

Politics without Government

International Relations: The Struggle for Power

International Organization(s): Globalization and the Quest for Order

Glossary

Acknowledgments

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.