Why Politics Matters: An Introduction to Political Science

Packed with current, global examples, Dooley/Patten's WHY POLITICS MATTERS: AN INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE, 4th EDITION, explains why politics is important to you -- and how you can get involved. Giving you the building blocks to understand political science, it provides a "big picture" of the field as it explores theory, comparative politics, the U.S. government and international relations. Thoroughly updated, it covers the topics you want and need to know about. You'll find comprehensive coverage of abortion rights, the role of women and politics, voting rights, student loan debt and the Biden v. Nebraska (2023) Supreme Court decision, populism, nationalism, political misinformation, U.S. relations with North Korea and China, the impact of climate change on international relations and more. Engaging exercises prompt you to think critically about chapter concepts and put what you learn into practice.

Kevin L. Dooley, Ph.D., is an associate professor of political science at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Since joining the faculty in 2003, he has taught comparative politics, ethics in international relations, American foreign policy, and early and modern political theory courses. He received his doctorate from Rutgers University in 2004. Dr. Dooley's primary research interests include the role that the social contract played in the evolution of democracy, globalization, nationalism and the erosion of democratic norms in Central and East Europe. In addition to numerous articles, he is the author of POLITICS STILL MATTERS: GLOBALIZATION, GOVERNANCE, AND THE REVIVAL OF REGIONAL MINORITIES (2008); ALLEGORIES AND METAPHORS IN EARLY POLITICAL THOUGHT: FROM PLATO TO MACHIAVELLI (2018); and STATES OF NATURE AND SOCIAL CONTRACTS (2021). Dr. Dooley and his wife, Lauren, live in Brick, New Jersey, with their two children, Jack and Megan.

Joseph N. Patten, Ph.D., is a professor of political science at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Since joining the Monmouth faculty in 2002, he has taught courses in American politics and public policy. He currently serves as the faculty advisor to Monmouth University’s policy debate team and as the university liaison to the Washington Center Internship program. He received Monmouth's Distinguished Teaching Award in 2009. Prior to joining the faculty in 2002, he served as an associate professor of political science at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa from 1996-2002. He received his doctorate in political science from West Virginia University in 1996. He is the co-author of the book entitled BAIT AND SWITCH: HOW STUDENT LOAN DEBT STIFLES SOCIAL MOBILITY (Springs Publishers, 2023). He also co-authored a number of articles and book chapters on the American Congress, super PACs and policy debate. He and his wife, Veena, live in Howell, New Jersey, with their two children, Nikhil and Jaya.