ReviewsThomas Magstadt's Understanding Politics compares very favorably with other political science textbooks already on the market. The sheer breadth of chapters covered, the maps and illustrations, the pedagogical notes and insets, the succinct length of the chapters, and the currency of the facts and figures make it a great resource for instructors and students alike., This book compares very well against other leading introductory textbooks. The chapters are well organized, the writing style is clear and engaging, and the topics are amply illustrated. Its up-to-date information gives it a fresh face and enhances its scholarship, which covers all areas of political science. Overall, it is a great introduction to politics and political science.
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Table Of Content1. Introduction: The Study of Politics. 2. The Idea of the Public Good: Ideologies and Isms. Part I: COMPARATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS: MODELS AND THEORIES. 3. Utopias: Model States. 4. Constitutional Democracy: Models of Representation. 5. The Authoritarian Model: Myth and Reality. 6. The Totalitarian Model: A False Utopia. Part II: ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING DEMOCRACIES. 7. Parliamentary Democracy: Pros and Cons of Perishable Governments. 8. States and Economies in Transition: Between Democracy and Yesterday. 9. Development: Myths and Realities. Part III: POLITICS BY CIVIL MEANS: CITIZENS, LEADERS, AND POLICIES. 10. Political Socialization: The Making of a Citizen. 11. Political Participation: The Limits of Democracy. 12. Political Leadership: The Many Faces of Power. 13. Issues in Public Policy: Politics, Principles, Priorities, and Practices. Part IV: POLITICS BY VIOLENT MEANS: REVOLUTION, WAR, AND TERRORISM. 14. Revolution: In the Name of Justice. 15. War: Politics by Other Means. 16. Terrorism: War, Crimes, or War Crimes? Part V: POLITICS WITHOUT GOVERNMENT. 17. International Relations: The Struggle for World Order. 18. Afterword: The Power of Knowledge. Endnotes. Glossary. Index.
Synopsis"Politics is a gateway to a broader and better understanding of human nature, society, and the world." This idea has inspired each edition of UNDERSTANDING POLITICS: IDEAS, INSTITUTIONS, AND ISSUES. Thomas Magstadt's book provides in-depth coverage of contemporary political issues and calls attention to the more enduring underlying questions. With its intense, engaging "politics are pertinent" theme, the 12th edition will fascinate you with its analysis of three fundamental premises: politics is a pervasive force in modern society; government is too important to be left in the hands of a few; and everyone has the opportunity to participate in public life in a democracy. This edition focuses on vital topics and concepts such as democracy, dictatorship, ideology, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, public policy, leadership, war, revolution, foreign policy, world politics, and international law.