Major factors that define and constitute a discipline are its leaders and their classic works. Political science seems bereft of such figures. Three possible explanations are offered: (1) a fixation on technique, (2) the absence of an evaluative dimension, and (3) shifting commitments to various paradigms. (Author/RM)

Its 19th century roots in philosophy, history, jurisprudence, and biology and its contemporary relations with the behavioral sciences and economics are the strengths of political science. The great figures of social science did not recognize disciplinary boundaries; their work is the common property of all the social sciences, including political…

Results of this study revealed that academicians followed same patterns as the remainder of the voters, but there were variations in the predominant patterns of switch voting. (JB)

This research examines the influences of urbanization, of social diversity within congressional districts, and of voter turnout on competition in U.S. elections. (Author/RM)

The concept of political culture has provided a promising way of incorporating psychological insights into the study of political systems; progress in the use of the concept calls for effective means of describing total systems and for identifying critical factors in improving the ability to understand and predict'' system performance. (Author/JB)

A study of party independence and the trend to one party allegiance as a result of aging. (JB)

Surveys the debate over how the United States Constitution is to be regarded for purposes of judicial interpretation in federal court cases. Focuses on the views of U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese, Ronald Dworkin, and Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Discusses the underlying values of original intent and its opposite, judicial activism.…

Explores the founding of the United States in terms of its theoretical and political perspectives. Identifies and discusses leading characteristics of thought that focus on the framing and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Examines the meaning of "liberty under law." (LS)

By looking at political science before and after the advent of behaviorism to see the way in which research ignored women as political beings and by looking at the influence of the contemporary woman's movement on the disciplines this paper assesses the how and why of the discipline's treatment of women. (JH)

Views the founding of the United States by analyzing key terms in its language in contexts provided by the history of early modern political discourse. Focuses on the transformation of the words "federative" and "federal." Concludes by examining the presidency as the monarchical component of an imperial republic. (Author/LS)

Research showed that the center-periphery pattern of social structure, characteristic of many academic communities, also applies to political science. This pattern consists of a tightly knit group of leaders and increasingly looser groups of followers arrayed about them. Within the social structure, all members are familiar with the top…

Examines some shared assumptions about the relationship of human nature and human behavior held by the U.S. Founding Fathers. Points out that the belief in the selfishness and corruptibility of man, as well as the experiences of the Revolution, led to the system of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution. (LS)

States that viewing the U.S. Constitution in terms of the late 1700's pamphlet literature, the major documents of the foundation, colonial political documents, and the works of European political theorists can lead to a new perspective on the founding period. Points out that the old perspective is still being used in high school U.S. history…

The author discusses the development, literature, problems, and possibilities of the politics of education in the United States and Australia. Emphasis is placed upon defining boundaries, priorities, and research projects for the field. (DE)

Discusses a 1947 study by Hyman and Sheatsley which investigated the political ignorance of the U.S. public. Examines the 1984 National Election Study, stating that a substantial segment of the U.S. public remains ignorant of political issues. Considers the dangers and implications of political ignorance (know-nothingism) in a democratic society.…