No matter your political philosophy preferences or needing some inspiration to get involved, these books on politics and governance are must reads.
Plato’s The Republic was written over 2000 years ago, yet remains an essential read for anyone studying political science at their extra hours besides staying busy with online slot games on the yoakimbridge.com. It explores what constitutes an equitable society while asserting that individuals voluntarily give up some of their natural freedoms when joining society.
1. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
Education on politics is vital to becoming an informed citizen. No matter your political stance, this list of 11 must-read books will deepen your understanding of our globalized world and help make you an active participant in our democracy.
Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow is an in-depth examination of racial bias within the US prison system. As its title suggests, The New Jim Crow explores how modern day “Jim Crow” laws – such as mandatory minimum sentences, inadequate legal representation, plea bargains and plea agreements – conspire against people of color by creating systems which appear race neutral but are anything but.
Rousseau’s Social Contract is an influential political text which asserts that government legitimacy comes from consent of those being governed. At its time, this idea was revolutionary; nowadays it forms the cornerstone of modern liberalism.
Plato’s The Republic remains one of the most influential political texts ever written, offering insight into human nature and society structure. It marks the start of political science today and remains relevant.
Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Women is a groundbreaking feminist political work written over two centuries ago that champions equal rights for women. Although its message may have become outdated over time, its legacy remains potency and timeless.
Who’s Running America? by Thomas R. Dye is an example of elite theory, the belief that power in America lies with a small group of powerful institutions rather than individuals. While some may find Dye’s theory outdated, reading Who’s Running America? will still give readers a deeper insight into our current political system.
Francis Fukuyama’s The End of History is an essential read for anyone attempting to understand how global societies function, why some succeed while others don’t, and why some succumb to tyranny. This book’s comprehensive approach makes it essential reading.
2. She Votes: How U.S. Women Won Suffrage, and What Happened Next
One hundred years ago on August 18th, women (and some men) finally won the right to vote in national elections through the 19th Amendment, though their fight is far from over and hasn’t been easy. Author Bridget Quinn’s new book She Votes chronicles both its long road leading up to this momentous achievement and what has followed over subsequent decades.
Beginning even prior to the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, this book examines letters and comments advocating for women’s rights from various sources. From then onward, major events from 1848 through 1920 are covered, such as how individual states began offering what was referred to as partial suffrage–voting in school matters or municipal elections but not on equal terms with men.
By 1910, women were pushing for a federal amendment to guarantee women the vote and had many supporters behind them, such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton – future suffragist leaders themselves. But they weren’t alone in fighting for women’s rights – women from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds helped amplify the cause – including Latina activists such as Maria de Guadalupe Evangelina Lopez de Lowther who understood how advocating in both English and Spanish could reach more women more quickly.
Quinn’s book explores what has come about since women won the right to vote and the fight for equal voting rights continues today. Narrative cofounder Carol Edgarian sat down with Quinn to discuss her book and its relevance in today’s political environment – discussing pioneers like Sojourner Truth, Montana girls basketball teams and understanding the power of one vote as examples of role models for discussion.
This book should be required reading for anyone who believes in democracy and wants to better understand what’s at stake in America today. As we all know, the 19th Amendment didn’t instantly and automatically grant women equal rights – voting hasn’t always been easy for various communities of color and women – that’s why it is crucial that we pay attention and strive towards making sure democracy remains inclusive for everyone.
3. The Nine: A History of the United States Supreme Court
Toobin explores the complicated dynamics behind nine individuals who determine the application of law in America. Through an engaging narrative and rich detail, Toobin explores their history, groundbreaking decisions and influence on American politics and society – such as Dred Scott v Sandford, Lochner v New York and Roe v Wade cases that made their names famous.
Toobin’s book provides an essential contribution to our understanding of America’s highest court, an institution which has struggled to establish itself and find legitimacy over time. With a broad and inclusive viewpoint that encompasses its role in protecting individual freedoms, regulating business operations, advancing racial equality and protecting the environment; readings taken from original court records (such as case files and transcripts of oral arguments), historical documents ( such as diaries and letters) as well as contemporary readings culled from original court records).
As Congress had broad authority to create courts under the Constitution, courts such as the Supreme Court were established through Congress with no direct government role; initially this meant it was one among many and had relatively low profile. Justices also had to perform additional duties such as “riding the circuit”, hearing appeals from federal district courts all across America on horseback. Furthermore, their chambers or buildings weren’t provided either!
During the Progressive Era, the Supreme Court began taking shape as we know it today. Congress passed the Evarts Act which established intermediate federal courts of appeal and ended “riding the circuit”. This reduced geographical influence when selecting members; for instance, Harlan F. Stone from New England eventually succeeded Stephen J. Field as California judge.
Congress reduced the Court from nine justices in 1869 back down to eight, though many prominent justices remained. Over time, however, Congress expanded it back up to nine. Through time and controversy-laden cases like Dred Scott v Sandford (which denied citizenship to African American slaves), and upholding state segregation laws like Plessy v Ferguson as well as World War II internment camps for Japanese Americans Korematsu v United States; new issues would come before it.
4. Superpower in Peril: A Battle Plan for America
If you want to gain more insight into American politics and governance, this book by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is an ideal starting point. Written as a nonpartisan primer, this nonpartisan primer covers issues impacting the country and illustrates who stands on either side of each debate – such as cancel culture, equality, education and corporate involvement in politics. Furthermore, the book highlights broken campaign promises and bipartisan failures’ effect on public opinion before detailing potential threats of civil war from foreign powers and how Americans must protect their freedoms against foreign threats against civil war threats from foreign enemies.
Mary Wollstonecraft published A Vindication of the Rights of Women in 1792 as an appeal for gender equality and cultural transformation within society as a whole. This classic political work highlights how fighting for equal rights can spark positive societal and cultural changes. As one of the most significant books ever written on politics, A Vindication of the Rights of Women should be read by anyone concerned with equality issues and gender rights.
Francis Fukuyama’s groundbreaking political philosophy text The Origins of Political Order offers an insightful look into human history and how all nations have adopted various types of government over time. This thought-provoking text explores why some governments work while others fail.
Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince is a classic work of political philosophy. This influential treatise provides rulers with guidance for how to gain and sustain power, with Machiavelli advocating using unorthodox tactics in pursuit of power. This book gives an excellent insight into politics’ dark side; anyone interested in understanding more should read this work thoroughly.
Political reform in America remains a contentious topic, making this book an essential resource for politicians or citizens who wish to understand how our system operates and what can be done to improve it. It explores various methods for change while offering unique insight into what would it take for change to take place within American government itself. Partisanship tensions, election systems and lobbying processes are just some of the topics included herein as well as insightful analysis from political scientists such as Mark Perry.