The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between psychological traits and voting behavior. Investigated is the thesis that psychological traits are useful concepts for political scientists as predictors of consistency in behavior. Contending that previous trait theory research has been generally unimpressive, the author…

Survey results are reported about teaching political parties in American colleges and universities. The purpose of the survey was to collect and disseminate information about techniques used in teaching political parties, books assigned most frequently to students, works viewed as most important in the field, and current level of student interest…

Improved understanding of political events and increased analytical skills are two contributions of a study of video taped media coverage of important political events, such as national elections. An appendix presents excerpts from the three major television networks' commentaries on election night 1972. (Author/DB)

Six explanations of political ideological complexity and finds the social, structural, political activity, socialization, and functional explanations to be unsupported by the data. Both education and political information explanations are confirmed, the former being favored. Ideological complexity changes with education and greater political…

Examines what types of liberating understandings or competencies that political science, particularly the introductory courses, can give the general education student who will not major in the discipline. (Author/RK)

The author demonstrates how to teach a college political science course on the Arab-Israeli conflict in an objective, unbiased way. Objectivity is important because of the obvious biases and the nature of this controversial issue. (JR)

This article describes the process used by a university committee which, in an effort to increase student enrollment, was given the task of studying what an introductory course in political science should include. (Author/RM)

Social status, powerlessness, specific support, and taxpayer revolt are evaluated for their effects on willingness of white parents of school-age children to vote for school taxes in desegregating Florida school districts. (Available from Southern Political Science Association, 107 Peabody Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.)…

Briefly reviews the research literature on political socialization across several nations and presents the results of a study concerning the level of political knowledge for 453 10- to 22-year-old British youth. Results showed greater knowledge of local and national political leaders than of parlimentary and political party affairs. (JDH)

Challenged by the rise of the New Right and the Reagan Administration, liberal theorists are reformulating liberalism. Individualism, at the heart of liberal theory, has been attacked for destroying the sense of civic obligation and community spirit. Some critics of liberalism called communitarians are described. (MLW)

Describes a model for studying and identifying revolution condensed from Crane Brinton's "Anatomy of Revolution." Explains how the characteristics of the model can be applied to hypothetical, historical, and contemporary situations. Outlines the teaching sequence, illustrating how students are taught a historical model and how to apply…

Evaluates the "Iron Curtain" speech made by Winston Churchill in 1946, discussing its relevance and implications for the present. Examines Churchill's predictions for the future and his assessment of the USSR. Reviews world developments since the speech and proposes foreign policy goals for the next 40 years. (GEA)

Identifies threat, economic, and integrative powers as components of national power, and examines the use of such powers by the United States and other nations. States that threat power is costly, while crippling those who use it. Advises nations to concentrate on economic and integrative powers, avoiding intervention and related actions. (GEA)

Contrasting the invasion of Grenada with the Vietnam War, Falk illustrates a successful and a failed intervention into another country's affairs. Assesses the legality, under international law, of intervention and examines various instances of its use. Considers arguments in favor of intervention, recognizing the difficulty in formulating such a…

Examines the changes occurring in the U.S. presidential and congressional finance system from the 1970s to the present and the problems and proposed reforms of the current system. Concludes that escalating costs and special interest influence in congressional elections must be controlled. Lists suggested paper topics and readings. (GEA)