UNDERSTANDING POLITICS is solidly based on three fundamental beliefs: 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. Building on these beliefs, Thomas Magstadt seeks to "educate to participate"--giving students the confidence and competence to affect change in the world around them. This proven, best-selling introductory text examines the complexities of politics and government in a way that students will find immediately fascinating. Magstadt focuses on such pertinent concepts as democracy, dictatorship, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, leadership, ideologies, war, revolution, world politics, and public policy. Because these concepts are fundamental to the text, the book provides students with a view of the political and economic that is at once lucid, nuanced, and empowering.