The Challenge of Politics

An Introduction to Political Science

“[This is] a textbook that offers students a good introduction to the science of politics while emphasizing the moral, empirical, and prudential dimensions of politics.”
 —Prosper Bernard, Jr., College of Staten Island  

The Seventh Edition of The Challenge of Politics by Douglas W. Simon and Joseph Romance balances classic political theory with contemporary politics to help students understand the fundamental questions of political science. The authors relate insights of classic political thinkers both to their modern counterparts and to the political dynamics of American, comparative, and international affairs. With its theme of politics as a scientific study, this book allows students to explore the impact of philosophy and ideology, to recognize major forms of government, to evaluate empirical findings, and to understand how policy issues directly affect people’s lives.