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OpenStax provides free, openly licensed textbooks and course materials for the social sciences, including political science resources. This page collects open-access textbooks and chapters on topics like government, political theory, international relations, and research methods that you can read online or download.
More resources on Introduction to Political Science
Moral Foundations of Politics
When do governments deserve our allegiance, and when should they be denied it? This course explores the main answers that have been given to this question in the modern West. We start with a survey of the major political theories of the Enlightenment: Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition. In each case, we begin with a look at classical formulations, locating them in historical context, but then shift to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today. Next, we turn to the rejection of Enlightenment political thinking, again exploring both classical and contemporary formulations. The last part of the course deals with the nature of, and justifications for, democratic politics, and their relations to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment political thinking. In addition to exploring theoretical differences among the various authors discussed, considerable attention is devoted to the practical implications of their competing arguments. To this end, we discuss a variety of concrete problems, including debates about economic inequality, affirmative action and the distribution of health care, the limits of state power in the regulation of speech and religion, and difficulties raised by the emerging threat of global environmental decay.
Political Science Guide
Intro resources and study guides
Khan Academy US Government and Civics
Free intro lessons on political concepts
Introduction to Political Philosophy
Explore fundamental questions about justice, liberty, and power in this introductory political philosophy course by Steven B. Smith.
POLSC101: Introduction to Political Science
Explore fundamental political concepts and theories. A perfect introduction to political science!
The Political Scene
Join The New Yorker’s writers and editors for reporting, insight, and analysis of the most pressing political issues of our time. On Mondays, David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, presents conversations and feature stories about current events. On Wednesdays, the senior editor Tyler Foggatt goes deep on a consequential political story via far-reaching interviews with staff writers and outside experts. And, on Fridays, the staff writers Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss the latest developments in Washington and beyond, offering an encompassing understanding of this moment in American politics. Please help us improve New Yo...