Power and Choice: An Introduction to Political Science

A truly comparative introduction to political science that reflects the diversity of approaches to the discipline

Power & Choice offers an in-depth look into the nuances of politics through the analysis of collective choices for a group or state through the use of power. Organized topically and using extended case examples from around the world, Power & Choice provides undergraduate students with a clear and engaging introduction to political science and comparative politics.

The 16th Edition has been updated to address the issues raised by the covid-19 pandemic, as well as the impact the Trump and Biden presidencies have had so far upon the world and its democracies, including challenges in states such as Hungary where illiberal democracy and nationalism are on the rise. The authors have also included discussion of the impact of the death of George Floyd upon race relations in America, and how issues such as growing inequality are impacting politics. This edition adds examination of women’s economic development and the rising importance of LGBTQ issues globally.

W. Phillips Shively is professor of political science at the University of Minnesota. He is the author of The Craft of Political Research, 10th edition (2017), as well as numerous articles on elections and methods of analysis. David Schultz is a Hamline University Professor in the Departments of Political Science and Legal Studies at the University of Minnesota and at the University of St. Thomas. David is the author of more than 35 books and 200+ articles on various aspects of American politics, election law, and the media and politics, and he is regularly interviewed in the media on these subjects including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The Economist, and National Public Radio. His most recent books are Election Law and Democratic Theory (2014), Encyclopedia of Money in American Politics (2018), Presidential Swing States (2018), The Conservative Revolution of Justice Scalia (2018), and Constitutional Law in Contemporary America (2017).