With its strong, engaging "politics are pertinent" theme and current, cutting-edge coverage, UNDERSTANDING POLITICS: IDEAS, INSTITUTIONS, AND ISSUES, is the proven best-selling text for the introduction to political science course. Thomas Magstadt fascinates students with his coverage of three fundamental premises: 1) politics is a pervasive force in modern society; 2) government is too important to be left in the hands of a few; and 3) in a democracy, everyone has both the opportunity and the obligation to participate in public life. The Ninth Edition focuses on such vital concepts as democracy, dictatorship, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, leadership, ideologies, war, revolution, world politics, and public policy--fundamental concepts that provide students with a view of politics and economics that is at once lucid, nuanced, and empowering.