First published in 1998, this volume compares the political ideals and ideas of Plato and Aristotle to examine whether they are relevant in that era of American constitutional crisis. The author, Raymond Polin, felt that debate had been hampered by focusing too strongly on America's existing constitutional system, and hoped that exploring the roots of Western political tradition and alternative conceptions of constitutionalism might increase the kind of understanding humanity should seek. He considers concepts of constitutionalism, gives summary accounts of the philosophers' lives and times, identify their key political ideas and reproduces some of their work verbatim, with the aim being to serve as a textbook for constitutional education. It will be of interest to teachers and students of the American system of government.

Foundations of American Political Thought: Readings and Commentary explains American historical concepts and key political ideas from 1620 to 1910. In this primer for democracy, all verbatim passages and original documents point to their original intentions and ideological movements. Key terms and basic terminology are incisive and essential for a thorough understanding of democracy. This book represents the setting and trends that produced sound progress in American political growth.

First published in 1998, this volume compares the political ideals and ideas of Plato and Aristotle to examine whether they are relevant in that era of American constitutional crisis. The author, Raymond Polin, felt that debate had been hampered by focusing too strongly on America's existing constitutional system, and hoped that exploring the roots of Western political tradition and alternative conceptions of constitutionalism might increase the kind of understanding humanity should seek. He considers concepts of constitutionalism, gives summary accounts of the philosophers' lives and times, identify their key political ideas and reproduces some of their work verbatim, with the aim being to serve as a textbook for constitutional education. It will be of interest to teachers and students of the American system of government.