Read more
Understanding politics in America is important for every citizen and resident. Knowing how politics works must be shared in words clear enough to be fully understood around kitchen tables all across the land. The essays and lessons offered here will hopefully encourage conversation with families, friends, and neighbors. The topics describe how political events happen, why some groups seem to always win, what makes people want to be politicians, the tools that are used to be successful in politics and the ethics that should be part of all political choices. The conclusion offers reasonable ways to ensure democracy's house remains strong to serve people's needs for generations to come.
About the author
Peter L. French has had a wide-ranging career in higher education. For more than four decades, he taught political science, international relations and comparative government at Syracuse University, University of the Pacific, St. Lawrence University and the University of South Florida. The experience of teaching more than ten generations of students provided the foundation for describing how political knowledge can be of use to all Americans. Linking of events to principles of political life clarifies each citizen's responsibilities in 21st century America. Mr. French also has more than a half century of service and research in Africa which informs sensitivity as to the fragility of democracy in countries young and old. Mr. French has a Ph.D. from Yale University, an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Ghana and the University of Pisa's Galileo medal for service to Italian higher education. He also has a quarter century in senior academic leadership at four colleges and universities. Now retired, Mr. French resides in Florida.
