American Political Thought

by Kenneth M. Dolbeare

This updated reader in American thought contains 39 major selections covering the full range of thinkers from the early colonial days to the present, examining the origins of American political values and beliefs and the ways in which Americans think about their future. It is organized in five chronological periods, each with a context-setting essay, and an annotated bibliography. This fourth edition offers a new mix of material, including excerpts from the Articles of Confederation as well as writings by Ben Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Some contributors Thomas Paine; John Adams; Franklin Roosevelt; Martin Luther King; Betty Friedan; Ronald Reagen; and Albert Gore, Jr.. As a self-contained one-semester course text, this book aims to provide an introduction to a critical understanding of the American political system.

Genres: Politics, Philosophy, History, Nonfiction

576 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1989

Reviews

[Kristofer Petersen-Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful overview. I found this anthology very helpful while studying for my doctoral comprehensive exam in American politics. In addition to a good selection of material, the introductions to each section offer useful summaries of the major concepts and movements that drove American political thought during each period.

[Danielle Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was actually surprised I really liked this book! It was fairly interesting readings, probably my favorite textbook ever assigned to me by a teacher. I enjoyed 90% of the articles that the placed in this book.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was used as a textbok for one of my classes. A great collection of historical speeches and letters that shaped America from prior to its founding up through Bush 43.

[Brie-anne]

Book I for Polititcal Science Class.

[sheena d! · Rating 2 out of 5]

Might be quicker to just take Political Science 101 instead.

(Note : I got bored and didn't bother to finish. This is probably a great anthology for someone who cares.)