Phil Treagus-EvansIf you’re wanting to learn more about politics, this reading list is for you. We have assembled the best politics books for beginners, so that if you’re new to the subject – you have a place to start. This list is a great introduction on politics for beginners.
Learning about politics can be an important step in becoming an informed and engaged citizen. Understanding how government works and the different branches of power can help individuals make informed decisions when it comes to voting and participating in public policy. This can include understanding the different political ideologies and parties, as well as the policies and platforms they advocate for. Additionally, understanding the political process, such as how laws are made and how elections are conducted, can help individuals navigate the political landscape and make informed choices about who to support and how to engage with their government.
Another benefit of learning about politics is that it can help individuals understand the issues that affect their community and the world at large. This can include understanding the economic, social, and environmental factors that shape our society, as well as the ways in which politics and policy impact these issues. Understanding politics can also help individuals understand the ways in which different groups and communities are affected by political decisions and how they can advocate for their own interests.
Furthermore, understanding politics can also be beneficial for individual’s career-related areas. Fields such as law, journalism, public relations, and many more require knowledge of politics. As such, having knowledge of politics can open up a wide range of career opportunities and can also help individuals in their current roles to better understand the political context in which they operate. Additionally, understanding politics can also help individuals become more informed and effective leaders in their communities, whether in their professional or personal lives.
Here are the best books on politics for beginners…
The Politics Book
The Politics Book, by DK, is a comprehensive guide to understanding the complex world of government and power. Part of the Big Ideas series, this book breaks down tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy-to-follow format, making it an ideal choice for beginners looking to learn more about politics, as well as experts looking to refresh their knowledge.
The book features more than 100 groundbreaking ideas in the history of political thought, with a visual approach to big subjects through the use of striking illustrations and graphics. The easy-to-follow text and packed with facts, charts, timelines, and graphs, make the topics accessible for people at any level of understanding. The Politics Book is a captivating introduction to the world’s greatest thinkers and their political ideas that continue to shape our lives today.
One of the key reasons why The Politics Book is a great option for beginners is its ability to answer a wide range of politics-related questions in a clear and concise manner. The book delves into the development of long-running themes, such as attitudes to democracy and violence, developed by thinkers from Confucius in ancient China to Mahatma Gandhi in 20th-century India. It also explores big political ideas such as capitalism, communism, and fascism, exploring their beginnings and social contexts, as well as the political thinkers who have made significant contributions. Overall, The Politics Book presents key information in a clear layout, making it an easy and engaging read for anyone looking to better understand the world of politics.
What You Should Know About Politics…But Don’t
“What You Should Know About Politics…But Don’t” by Jessamyn Conrad is an essential guide for those looking to gain a better understanding of the complex world of American politics. Written in a clear and concise manner, the book breaks down a wide range of political issues, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the key topics that shape our political landscape. The book is aimed at beginners, providing them with the information they need to gain a deeper understanding of American politics, without overwhelming them with jargon or complex concepts.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from the economy and income inequality, to healthcare, foreign policy, education, immigration, and climate change. It explains the positions of different political parties and figures on these issues, and provides the historical context and background necessary to fully understand them. The fourth edition includes an introduction by Martin Garbus, discussing the themes and issues that have come to the fore during the present presidential cycle, making it an essential volume for understanding the background to the 2020 presidential election.
One of the key strengths of this book is its ability to cut through the noise of sound bites and deliberate misinformation that often clouds political discussions. It is a reliable source that is free of political spin, providing readers with the information they need to make informed decisions. The book is perfect for readers of all political persuasions, whether they are Democrats, Republicans, or somewhere in between. With an endorsement from Barack Obama, “What You Should Know About Politics…But Don’t” is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of American politics, especially beginners. The book is written in an easy to understand language and is packed with facts, charts, timelines, and graphs, making it an engaging and accessible guide for anyone interested in politics.
Politics for Beginners
“Politics for Beginners” by Louie Stowell, Alex Frith, and Kellan Stover is a brilliant guide for children looking to gain a better understanding of the complex world of politics. Shortlisted for Children’s Illustrated/Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the British Book Awards 2019 and a Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week, this book offers a no-nonsense guide to what politics is all about, specifically tailored to the young audience. It provides children with the information they need to gain a deeper understanding of politics, without overwhelming them with jargon or complex concepts.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including political systems, elections, voting, and government. It also explains important issues such as feminism, human rights, freedom of speech, and fake news in a way that is easy for children to understand. The book uses clear text and bright infographics-style illustrations to make the information easy to understand and engaging. It is a great resource for children, teenagers who want to learn more about politics and the political systems that shape our world.
One of the key strengths of this book is its ability to make politics accessible and easy to understand for children. It is an excellent resource for young people who are confused by politics, particularly in the context of Brexit and the constant political uncertainty in the UK. The book is written in an easy to understand language, and the use of illustrations makes it an engaging and accessible guide for children interested in politics. It is a must-read for any child who wants to gain a better understanding of the political systems that shape our world and make informed decisions about the issues that affect us all.
She Votes
She Votes by Bridget Quinn is an intersectional story of the women who won suffrage and those who have continued to raise their voices for equality ever since. The book shines a spotlight on the women who broke down barriers from the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation to the first woman to wear pants on the Senate floor, providing readers with a colorful and dynamic account of the struggle for women’s rights in the United States.
One of the key strengths of this book is its ability to provide a refreshing and illuminating look at the history of women’s suffrage. The author Bridget Quinn, a rockstar author and historian, tells the story in an engaging way, with heart-pounding scenes and keenly observed portraits of dynamic women from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Audre Lorde. Additionally, the book honors the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment with illustrations by 100 women artists, each artist brings a unique perspective; together, they embody the multiplicity of women in the United States.
This book is a perfect gift for feminists of all ages and genders who want to learn more about the 19th amendment and the journey to equal representation. The illustrations are visually gorgeous and make it a book that will be at home on the shelf or on the coffee table. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of women’s suffrage and the ongoing fight for gender equality. This book is also great for beginners, who want to learn about the history and the key figures of the women’s suffrage movement in a way that is easy to understand and engaging.
What You Need To Know About Voting and Why
“What You Need to Know About Voting and Why” by Kim Wehle is an essential guide for anyone looking to learn about the mechanics of voting and its history and future. Written by law professor and constitutional scholar Kimberly Wehle, this book offers practical, useful advice on the mechanics of voting and an enlightening survey of its history and future. It covers a wide range of topics, including the primary process, the electoral college, voter registration and mail-in ballots, making it an ideal resource for new voters, would-be voters, and young people.
The book is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to understand the complex process of voting. it covers everything you need to know to make informed choices that will shape our shared destiny for decades to come. This book is highly recommended by Norah O’Donnell, Anchor and Managing Editor, CBS Evening News, who states that “Now, more than ever, Americans are realizing that their votes count. Kim Wehle’s excellent guide tells you everything you need to know about the laws governing our greatest right and privilege. A must-read, especially in an election year.”
This book is particularly relevant in an election year, as it provides readers with the background they need to fully understand the voting process and make informed decisions at the polls. It is an easy and engaging read for anyone interested in the history and mechanics of voting, making it one of the best politics books for beginners. It is a timely and informative guide that provides a comprehensive look at the voting process and its history, making it a must-read for anyone looking to exercise their right to vote.
Why We’re Polarized
“Why We’re Polarised” by Ezra Klein is a must-read book for anyone looking to understand the underlying causes of America’s political polarization. It is one of Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2022 and is also included in Bill Gates’s “5 books to read this summer”. This New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller offers a clear framework for understanding the structural and psychological forces behind America’s descent into division and dysfunction. It provides a detailed analysis of how and why American politics polarized around identity in the 20th century and what that polarization has done to the way we see the world and one another.
The book is written by political analyst Ezra Klein, who argues that America’s political system isn’t broken, but rather it’s working exactly as designed. He shows how the system is polarizing us and how we are polarizing it with disastrous results. Klein provides a “superbly researched” (The Washington Post) and “thoughtful, clear and persuasive analysis” (The New York Times Book Review). The book is neither a polemic nor a lament, but rather it is a comprehensive examination of the structural and psychological forces that are driving our system towards crisis.
Klein argues that America is polarized, first and foremost, by identity. He shows how our partisan identities have merged with our racial, religious, geographic, ideological, and cultural identities over the past fifty years. These merged identities have attained a weight that is breaking much in our politics and tearing at the bonds that hold this country together. He also traces the feedback loops between polarized political identities and polarized political institutions that are driving our system towards crisis.
In summary, “Why We’re Polarised” is an essential guide for anyone looking to understand the underlying causes of America’s political polarization. It provides a detailed analysis of the structural and psychological forces that are driving our system towards crisis and offers a clear framework for understanding everything from Trump’s rise to the Democratic Party’s leftward shift to the politicization of everyday culture. It is a must-read for beginners and experts alike who are looking to understand the causes of political polarization in America.
Democracy From Then to Now
“Democracy From Then to Now” by Eric Nilsen is an essential guide for anyone looking to understand the origins and evolution of democracy. This book offers a comprehensive examination of the history of democracy, from its earliest beginnings to its current state. It covers a wide range of topics, including the influence of ancient figures, the origins of today’s political systems, and the development of democracy through the ages.
The author, Eric Nilsen, provides a detailed analysis of the works of ancient philosophers who laid the foundations of democracy from the early days. He also examines the democratic ideas in Ancient Rome that helped design some of the foundations of modern governments. He also explores the emergence of a modern parliamentary system that resulted from reforms throughout the Medieval Ages. The book also covers the roots of America’s democracy, and democracy in America now.
This book is a must-read for beginners and experts alike who are looking to understand the causes of political polarization in America. It is also perfect for anyone curious about the history of democracy, or who wonders how some of the democratic policies developed through the ages, or even how democracies die.
The author also examines the rising threats to democracy, which jeopardize the systems that have been in place in some form for centuries. By understanding the principles behind Democracy and its evolution worldwide, we have a better chance of achieving “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
In summary, “Democracy From Then to Now” is an essential guide for anyone looking to understand the origins and evolution of democracy. It provides a detailed analysis of the history of democracy and offers a clear framework for understanding the current state of democracy around the world. The book is a must-read for beginners and experts alike who are looking to understand the causes of political polarization in America and how to better protect democracy.
International Relations
International Relations – For People Who Hate Politics, written by Albert Rutherford and Zoe McKey, is one of the best politics for beginners and specifically for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the world of politics and global affairs. This book offers an in-depth look at the historical and theoretical milestones that have shaped modern global politics, highlighting the biggest turning points in history and the most influential schools of thought.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of the United States as a superpower, the functioning of China’s communism, and the origins of globalization. The authors provide a sweeping account of how political schools of thought make sense of and shape political decision-making. They also explore the power dynamics and limitations of countries, and how they impact the world we live in today.
This book is written in an accessible and easy-to-understand style, making it perfect for beginners who want to learn more about international relations and global politics. The authors, Albert Rutherford and Zoe McKey, are experts in the field of international relations, and have drawn on their vast knowledge and experience to provide a comprehensive and insightful guide to the subject.
The book is not only a great primer, but also a manual of fresh insights into the internal and international struggles of world leaders. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of the options available to them politically, and raises awareness about the power dynamics and limitations of countries. With International Relations – For People Who Hate Politics, you can have an impact on real issues and learn the strengths and drawbacks of various policies. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to make sense of the world around them and shape their future.
A Millennial’s Guide to Running for Office
A Millennial’s Guide to Running for Office by Henry Bouchot is the ultimate guide for young people looking to enter the world of politics and make a difference in their communities. Written by a political newcomer who successfully ran for office and defeated a nine-term incumbent, this book provides a step-by-step guide on how to create an unbeatable campaign and make a lasting impact as an elected official.
Henry Bouchot shares his personal experience and knowledge from his time in the Marines and his business education to help young candidates understand the importance of networking, fundraising, and building a strong campaign team. He also goes beyond the traditional campaign strategies and delves into the emotional and personal aspects of running for office, providing tips on how to handle stress and criticism, and how to make running for office an unforgettable and rewarding experience.
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to make a change in their community and be a part of shaping the future of America. With the rise of political polarization and a growing need for fresh perspectives in government, it’s more important than ever for young people to step up and run for office. A Millennial’s Guide to Running for Office provides the tools and inspiration necessary for young people to take the first steps towards becoming an elected official.
Political Science for Dummies
Political Science For Dummies, written by Marcus A. Stadelmann, is the ultimate guide for beginners looking to expand their understanding of the ever-evolving political landscape. This comprehensive book delves into the key concepts of political science and explains them in a way that is easy to understand. From political ideologies and institutions to policies, processes, and behavior, this guide covers it all.
One of the key strengths of this book is its ability to break down complex political science concepts into simple and manageable chunks. This makes it the perfect supplement for students taking college-level, introductory political science courses. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of governments and the implications of changing political economies.
The book also covers a wide range of topics, from class and government to diplomacy, law, strategy, and war. In addition, it helps readers navigate the specialized vocabulary within the field of political science and provides insight into potential career paths, such as becoming a policy analyst or legislative assistant.
With its clear explanations and comprehensive coverage of key concepts, Political Science For Dummies is an essential guide for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the world of politics. Whether you’re a student or a curious citizen, this book is an invaluable resource for making sense of the political landscape.
Tips for Understanding Politics for Beginners
- Start by understanding the basics of political systems and government. Learn about the different types of political systems, such as democracy, authoritarianism, and socialism. Understand how government works and the different branches of government and their roles.
- Learn about key political concepts and theories, such as political ideology, power, and representation. Understanding these concepts will help you to better understand current political issues and debates.
- Read widely and stay informed about current events and political issues. This will help you to understand the context in which politics operates and how different issues and policies are interconnected.
- Learn about the history of politics and political movements. Understanding the historical context in which political ideas and movements developed will help you to better understand their origins and how they have evolved over time.
- Engage with politics by participating in discussions and debates, attending rallies and events, and even getting involved in local or national politics. This will help you to develop your own political views and opinions and give you a deeper understanding of the political process.
- Be open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives and opinions. Politics is a complex and multi-faceted field, and there are often many different viewpoints and arguments to consider. Being open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives will help you to develop a more nuanced understanding of political issues.