Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues [Paperback]

Thomas M. Magstadt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 8, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0534601529 | ISBN-13: 978-0534601522 | Edition: 7

UNDERSTANDING POLITICS, the proven, best-selling introductory text for Introduction to Political Science, examines the complexities of politics and government in a way that students will find immediately fascinating. Solidly based on three fundamental premises-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-the text builds on these beliefs, and seeks to "educate to participate." UNDERSTANDINING POLITICS focuses on such pertinent concepts as democracy, dictatorship, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, leadership, ideologies, war, revolution, world politics, and public policy-fundamental concepts that provide students with a view of politics and economics that is at once lucid, nuanced, and empowering.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas Magstadt earned his doctorate at the Johns Hopkins Schools of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He is the author of NATIONS AND GOVERNMENTS: COMPARATIVE POLITICS IN REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE (Thompson/Wadsworth, 2005), now in its fifth edition, and AN EMPIRE IF YOU CAN KEEP IT: POWER AND PRINCIPLE IN AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY (Congressional Quarterly Press, 2004). He has also published many scholarly papers and articles and is a frequent op-ed contributor to newspapers. He is a former political science professor at Augustana College (Sioux Falls), the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and the Air War College. He was a Fulbright Lecturer in the Czech Republic and taught courses in international politics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City before turning to full-time writing. He lives in Westwood Hills, Kansas (close to the heart of Kansas City). --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 704 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 7 edition (February 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534601529
• ISBN-13: 978-0534601522
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #905,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks!, February 19, 2011

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A. Crotty (West Hempstead, New York United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues (Paperback)

I saved a load of money on this textbook for class. It arrived in the condition promised and FAST! I will definitely use you guys again. THANKS!

9 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars expensive text, May 22, 2005

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Chad Raymond (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues (Paperback)

Clearly-written and accessible to undergraduates, without a lot of the dumbed-down, feel-good blather that mars so many textbooks. The text appears to be suffering from mission creep -- new editions are getting bigger, heavier, and more expensive. Asking students to pay $80 for a paperback is ridiculous; their money would be better spent purchasing copies of The Prince, Lenin's Tomb, Gideon's Trumpet, and Reading Lolita in Tehran. - Chad Raymond, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Gardner-Webb University

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very satisfied, July 11, 2010

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I am very satisfied with this purchase and seller. Textbook arrived within a few days in excellent condition. Price was 2/3 less than college bookstore price for used book.