Governance: Power, Politics, and Participation

For as long as individuals have lived alongside one another there have been governing structures-bodies established to maintain order and justice, entrusted to provide basic needs and services to their constituents. Disparate beliefs and interests have given rise to many forms of government throughout history, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This engaging volume allows readers to examine the various forms of government that have developed around the world, with a special focus on the ascension of democracy.

Complementary and mutually reinforcing, political science and political philosophy lie at the heart of the study of governance. The concept of how government could or should operate in the abstract is the province of political philosophy, while political science concerns itself with the concrete. Readers will chronicle the history and development of both fields and introduces readers to the major thinkers-including Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Weber-whose works have informed the study of politics the world over.

Divergence in opinions, beliefs, and interests is a fundamental aspect of every society. Such plurality often spurs the development of various factions and groups, each seeking to attain its objectives through political and governmental action. Whereas elected officials exercise political power directly, interest groups often operate behind the scenes, lobbying for policy changes that benefit their cause. Readers discover how the general populace influences the way it is governed via political parties, interest groups, and elections within the framework of various forms of government.

Governance is a complex process, often divided among various structures and institutions. Local, regional, national, and even supranational entities each have their own formal and informal institutions that comprise a political system. Readers will use this comprehensive volume to examine the various types, structures, and functions of government around the world, as well as the evolution of political systems and the factors contributing to their rise and fall.

Although one of the shortest written constitutions in the world, the U.S. Constitution, designed to embody the rights, laws, and guiding principles of a diverse and ever-changing populace, remains an enduring document. Since its ratification in 1787, the Constitution has been applied to a broad range of legal and political questions and, while often the subject of much debate, continues to serve as a stalwart reminder of the country's social and legal strides. This detailed volume breaks down each section of the Constitution and its amendments, also providing a concise overview of the field of constitutional law as it is applied around the world and in various forms of government.