A groundbreaking, accessible introduction to the building-block concepts of democracy and comparative civics
Designed specifically to help high-school students build critical-thinking skills, Exploring Political Ideas presents a conceptual-comparative approach to the study of the political ideas that shaped world history and continue to affect today’s political landscape. This unique approach gives students a solid grasp of the core concepts behind civics and democratic government, and shows how these concepts are applied in practice through comparisons over time, and across nations.
The four-color text explores many intertwined concepts, including the uses of power and authority, the influence of political culture and political institutions, the relationships between rights and responsibilities, political participation and representation, the prerequisites of leadership and governance, and the challenges facing democratic governance in an age of rapid globalization. Each chapter illustrates the concepts through practical examples about political thinkers, leaders, ideas, institutions, and policies. Students explore historical and contemporary applications of political ideas from four perspectives:
- The decisions individuals make
- The interests individuals articulate and pursue
- The institutions they create and work within
- The issues they to seek to resolve
Exploring Political Ideas is a terrific addition to public and college library collections, and ideal for high schools supporting curriculum in AP Government, civics, world history, geography, and AP social studies. No other resource unpacks the core concepts behind politics and government in this historical-comparative way that students can easily explore and digest.
Reviews
"This is a solid choice for students wanting a basic grounding in political studies in an interesting and enlightening format."
- Voice Of Youth Advocates"The book is highly recommended as a primer on Democratic and Republican political systems."
- American Reference Books Annual
Testimonials
"The book will be very useful in high school American history, world history, and civics/government classes throughout the nation. Both teachers and students will be intrigued by the book's design and content.
Exploring Political Ideas will be especially useful as a resource for teachers and students involved in the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program. The book will serve as an excellent supplement to the program by adding additional historical context, comparative examples, and the application of core ideas to specific issues in the United States and throughout the world. In addition, the book could be the basis for a standalone course that compliments We the People in a prior or subsequent semester."
- Robert S. Leming, Director, Center for Civic Education"While the development of political philosophy, government, culture, institutions, and power in the first four (4) units could stand alone as an excellent reference on political theory, the inclusion of Units 5 – 8 makes Exploring Political Ideas an invaluable supplement in World History, American History, American Government and Comparative Government classes.
I am impressed by the book’s imaginative format and content, delighted by its assimilation of critical thinking and decision making skills, and eager to implement it as a supplement within the Social Studies Department of my school."
- Rosie Hefferman, AP American Government and AP Comparative Government teacher"This work is a distinctive and impressive contribution to the education of citizens. It promotes inquiry about political ideas, which have influenced Americans and other peoples in their pursuit of peace and justice through good government. The authors raise the enduring questions of great political thinkers, and comparatively examine notable examples of alternative responses, from ancient to modern times. They trace the origins and development of concepts at the core of constitutional and representative government, and apply them to critical public issues of the past and present in the United States and abroad. This book provides intellectually stimulating encounters with political ideas that belong in the core curriculum of civic education."
- John J. Patrick, Professor Emeritus of Education, Indiana University "This book will definitely be an asset to my high school classroom, not only as a resource for AP Government and Politics, but for my World History courses as well.
High school students will surely benefit from the logical, straightforward explanation of complicated ideas, and enjoy the way the authors tackle the basic issues of society and government – how can we live together?
The “Reviewing and Using the Chapter” sections provide a good balance between questions designed to gauge understanding and opinion questions, designed to get the student to think more profoundly about what he/she has just read.
The authors have done a great job in combining some very complex and highbrow ideas into a format that high school students can relate to and probe more deeply."
- Susanna Gigerba, History & Government Teacher"Imaginatively and colorfully packaged, the book welcomes student involvement. Each of the eighteen chapters is introduced by a paragraph that clearly and succinctly identifies the chapter’s purpose, immediately followed by a list of a dozen or so key “Terms to Know.” Scattered throughout are beautiful pieces of art; ingenious, informative original figures and illustrations; and thoughtful editorial insertions that amplify key figures, events, and movements. A helpful list of web resources guides students and teachers to fruitful fields of new discoveries."
- John P. Kaminski, Director, The Center for the Study of the American Constitution"This text is an invaluable reference for any government or history teacher. It is rich in concepts and filled with substantive information and pertinent examples that will make it clear to students how a variety of political ideas have been adopted in various political systems. Perhaps even more useful to teachers and students is that the political ideas…republicanism, rule of law, rights, and many others… which are the cornerstone of every high school textbook, are presented in a unique manner. The authors use several approaches to develop these ideas from their point of origin, through their implementation, and where we can see these ideas in our current political systems. More importantly, they challenge students to consider whether these ideas still matter today! This book belongs in the library or on the desk of teachers who are interested in engaging their students in relevant and thoughtful discussion."
- Robert Warmack, Center for Civic Education
Bio(s)
Stephen L. Schechter
is professor of political science and director of the Council for Citizenship Education at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. Thomas S. Vontz
is associate professor of education and director of the Center for Social Studies Education at Kansas State University.
Margaret Stimmann Branson
is associate director of the Center for Civic Education in Calabasas, CA, and is one of the senior authors of the National Standards for Civics and Government.
