February 5, 2024

How To Educate Yourself On Politics

I know someone who has a knack for discussing current political happenings with great insight. He's thoroughly informed about the latest policies, elections, and legal matters in the news. Having read numerous articles and delved into a range of political discourse and critical evaluations, he leverages his knowledge in American governance, historical context, and political science (thanks to his major in government) to craft thoughtful, well-founded viewpoints on various topics. He's always enthusiastic about sharing his thoughts with me and our friends when we're out enjoying a few drinks.

I wager that you, as someone who is engaged in political matters, likewise have a knowledgeable individual in mind—perhaps a television analyst or a companion at the pub. It's usually the people we respect who highlight the areas of knowledge we lack and, by highlighting these gaps, they motivate us to pursue further understanding.

My awareness of my lack of political knowledge, combined with a wish to effect change globally, motivated me to deepen my understanding of American politics. This was so I could effectively engage in our amiable, though occasionally intense, political discussions with my friend.

I have developed a structured and cost-effective 13-step plan for self-learning U.S. politics and government, primarily by utilizing books and internet-based classes for those who wondering “how to go into politics”.

This is founded on the educational background of my friend, the courses offered at college, and my personal experience in independently studying political systems in the United States.

Remember that the journey of self-learning never ends and everyone has their unique way of learning. Thus, this guide is intended to serve as a starting point to build your understanding of US politics, as well as related areas like US history and political theory. While this guide is organized in a coherent manner, you are encouraged to navigate through it in any order you prefer. This resource pattern number calculator assists students in boosting their essay writing abilities and overcoming obstacles in their studies. It offers tailored support across a wide range of academic fields, aimed at enhancing students' comprehension and performance. Through custom guidance, it encourages the growth of skills and achievement in educational pursuits.

If you're aiming to become an expert commentator in politics, a skilled analyst, a successful politician, an engaged activist, or simply the life of political debates at dinner parties, this guide is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge required to thrive.

Understanding the Significance of Education in American Politics

While it may boost your self-esteem to appear knowledgeable about American politics during social gatherings, this isn't the sole motivation for learning about it. The primary benefit of understanding politics is that it gives you the ability to voice your opinions and make a stand for your convictions.

Each of us is passionate about improving certain aspects of our world. This might pertain to altering educational systems, taking action to combat global warming, advocating for tax reform, addressing immigration issues, or confronting racial biases that capture our interest.

If, similar to me, you find yourself deeply compelled to participate whenever you hear an individual articulating their thoughts on a topic of significance to you, you feel a profound desire to contribute your perspective on addressing the matter. Your aim is to convey your viewpoints in a coherent and thoughtful manner, possibly emulating the style of a renowned speaker and advocate for the abolition movement.

At times, the uncertainty about your own understanding can be a hindrance. Perhaps there's a concern that a lack of familiarity with a specific political idea, organizational body, or procedural detail, ranging from the passage of legislation to the functioning of the Supreme Court, could render your points to appear poorly informed.

I have definitely experienced similar feelings and continue to do so frequently, given that I am just starting to educate myself on American politics. I’ve also encountered situations such as “How do I get into politics” where, despite my hesitations, I spoke out, only to find that I was unable to convince or impact others due to my lack of understanding of the subject.

These two issues — firstly, the hesitation to participate in political conversations due to a lack of confidence, and secondly, the inability to discuss politics persuasively — can be overcome by educating oneself in American politics and government, U.S. history, and contemporary issues.

By engaging in independent learning, you will build the self-assurance, acquire the relevant vocabulary, comprehend the historical backdrop, and obtain the necessary understanding to frequently and assertively advocate for your views on what actions you think our government ought to take on different matters.

Additionally, as a bonus, engaging with the news will turn into a more enjoyable experience. Much like a cinema enthusiast who has just learned about film critique, you’ll begin to perceive political happenings in a new light.

You will take on a role similar to that of an analyst, potentially becoming an individual capable of penning commentary on political matters, which could be distributed by media outlets and consumed by a vast audience swayed by your insights.

With that in mind, let's explore the path to self learning about politics in the United States.

Ways to Learn Politics

You can learn about American politics by reading literature, keeping up with news reports, enrolling in web-based classes, and participating in discussions and activities related to politics. Those who are most informed about politics strive to understand not just what's happening now, but also the fundamental functions of the government, key historical occurrences in the U.S., and political theories.

With that in mind, here is a structured 13-step guide designed for beginners to lay the groundwork for their understanding of U.S. politics and government. These steps are arranged in a sensible sequence, with each building upon the previous one. However, recognizing that individuals vary in their interests and come from diverse backgrounds, you are encouraged to navigate through the steps in a non-linear fashion as you see fit.

By adhering to it thoroughly, you are likely to become among the most informed individuals on political matters in the majority of discussions. Additionally, it will help you gauge whether you have the inclination to delve deeper into politics, potentially leading to a career as a political analyst, government representative, blogger, or reporter.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Fundamental Government and Politics-Related Terms

Are you familiar with terms such as Majority Whip or Filibuster? Or the concept of Grassroots?

These words frequently appear in news reports, yet we might not fully understand what they imply or why they matter. In fact, I didn't truly comprehend the term "Lame Duck" until I delved into research for this piece.

Understanding fundamental political terms is key to grasping upcoming texts and videos. Additionally, it will enable you to comprehend news broadcasts more profoundly.

2. Review the cornerstone texts that form the basis of the United States' government and principles.

To begin your understanding of American politics, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the core texts that underpin the U.S. government. These include the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Federalist Papers.

Crafted by the architects of our nation during the time of revolution, these texts provide the continuous philosophical and organizational basis for the United States government.

Understanding them will aid in grasping the reasons behind various political structures, choices, and procedures that you will encounter as you advance in your educational journey.

Make sure to acquaint yourself with these essential political texts:

I suggest utilizing the interactive version of the U.S. Constitution which provides the opportunity to explore expert analyses and philosophical insights on every section of the Constitution from prominent scholars in law and philosophy.
The Federalist Papers, authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay during 1787 and 1788, are a collection of essays that present compelling justifications for approving the new Constitution of the United States. This seminal work is a vital tool for grasping the founders' initial objectives for the Constitution and represents a significant input to the field of political thought.
The Declaration of Independence holds a treasured place not only due to the profound ideas it presents about governance but also for its eloquent expression. It is the historic manuscript that formally dissolved the connection between the thirteen colonies and Great Britain.

One can finish reading the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence within a single evening. However, it will require significantly more time to go through The Federalist Papers, which contains 81 essays written in complex, Latin-influenced language.

Nonetheless, it's an effort that pays off. Regard it as an exercise to strengthen your mental skills, particularly in scrutinizing arguments, structuring essays, and understanding written content.

If you're pressed for time, consider reading the most well-known and significant Federalist Papers.

In Federalist Paper #10, Madison makes the case that a representative form of government is better suited than a direct democracy in safeguarding against the rise of special interest groups.
In Federalist Paper #51, Madison clarifies the rationale for having a system of checks and balances in place.
In Federalist Paper No. 68, Hamilton articulates with keen and clear language the initial purpose behind the establishment of the electoral college.

Should you take the time to peruse the aforementioned texts and consider their influence on current occurrences, you will become familiar with the foundational objectives and principles of our country's administration.

3. Acquire knowledge on the structure and functioning of the government of the United States.

In political discussions, I regularly commit the significant error of adamantly asserting that the government ought to carry out action X. However, due to the constraints of the existing system, action X might be unfeasible or exceedingly challenging to execute without contravening a law.

Understanding the workings of the U.S. government, including its operations, laws, organizational structures, and areas of power, will stop you from repeating past errors and also assist you in devising more effective strategies to address the problems you aim to tackle.

Here are various materials available to help you understand the structure and functioning of the United States Government. These resources encompass web-based classes, video content on YouTube, and a selection of literature.

I would suggest starting with the Crash Course for a basic introduction, followed by selecting either Harvard's or Khan Academy's course to establish a strong base in US government knowledge, and concluding with a thorough reading of the classic text, "Democracy in America".

Check out the Crash Course series on U.S. Government and Politics.

Crash Course's U.S. Government and Politics offers a complimentary collection of brief, ten-minute videos aimed at novices, which cover essential ideas within government and politics, such as the structure of the two-chambered Congress and the principle of federalism, to the legislative process that transforms a bill into law.

Here are some of the 50 segments:

Crash Course US Gov

While political writers wouldn't reference it in their scholarly works, this series is excellent for novices who want a fun and engaging primer on U.S. governance and political concepts. I consistently find their videos beneficial when I am starting to learn about a new topic.

Harvard's online course series on the U.S. Government.

Harvard's U.S. Government Series is a web-based, flexible course aimed at those new to the subject, providing a foundational understanding of U.S. politics and governance from a renowned educational establishment. The program is termed a series due to its structure, which consists of four courses, each lasting four weeks and intended to be completed one after the other.

U.S. Government: Roots of the Constitution: Grasp how the political dynamics of early America shaped the Constitution, and recognize that the nation is still striving to fully realize the principles of liberty and freedom.
Discover the inner mechanisms of the three primary components of the U.S. federal government: Congress, the Presidential office, the judicial system, and the administrative agencies.
Explore how diverse groups influence policy and political decisions in the United States, covering public opinion, election campaigns, the roles of special interest groups, and the impact of media.
Understanding U.S. Public Policy: Explore the mechanisms behind the formation of social, economic, and international strategies, including how policies transition from legislation to implementation.

Every week focuses intently on a significant aspect of American politics, ranging from the extent of a president's influence on home affairs to the characteristics of political organizations in the United States.

Every week concludes with the distribution of case studies that challenge you to engage in deep thinking regarding the material you've studied.

Here is an illustration of one of the meetings focusing on presidents and their approach to international affairs:

Enrolling in this extensive and thoroughly designed program from Harvard comes with a price tag of $396, which isn't exactly inexpensive. However, when compared to the cost of a four-month onsite course at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, which is roughly eleven times more expensive, this option could offer significant value for those seeking an Ivy League foundation in the basics of the US government at a more affordable cost.

Upon completion, participants will also be awarded a certificate that serves as evidence of their expertise in this field for prospective employers or educational institutions.

U.S. Government and Civics course by Khan Academy.

The civics and U.S government course offered by Khan Academy is accessible online at no cost and allows learners to progress at their own speed. This course is segmented into ten distinct sections, which comprehensively address various subjects related to the U.S government such as the essential principles of American democracy and the relationships among the various governmental branches, among other topics.

Additionally, the course incorporates teaching through videos, it also provides articles authored by Khan Academy and administers quizzes to ensure your comprehension of the key concepts.

Khan Academy Quiz Question Example

The Khan Academy interface allows you to monitor your advancement towards proficiency in various topics, which can be quite encouraging and assist you in organizing your learning politics. While it's beneficial to complete the entire crash course government and politics, you have the option to navigate directly to and focus on the sections with which you are least familiar.

Explore "Democracy in America" authored by Alexis de Tocqueville.

In 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville, a nobleman from France who was destined to become a prominent political analyst, landed in New York City on a government-sponsored project aimed at studying the American penal system.

Rather than limiting his investigation to the penitentiaries, de Tocqueville dedicated his nine-month stay to examining the entirety of American society, with a particular focus on its social structure, political system, and institutions of democracy.

Between 1835 and 1840, he transformed his research into two versions of the publication, "Democracy in America," now recognized as one of the most distinguished political science texts of the 19th century.

The book describes the societal and political circumstances observed within American society and elaborates on the reasons why a republican form of representative democracy succeeded in America, in contrast to its failure to take root in nations such as France.

This book is a common item on the required reading rosters of prominent schools for students majoring in political science, history, and various related fields of study. Harvard Professor Harvey C. Mansfield regards the book as:

"This book is simultaneously acclaimed as the greatest work on both the subject of democracy and the topic of America."

Despite being authored a considerable time ago, the book's dissection of our societal behaviors remains incredibly pertinent in the contemporary context. For individuals independently studying politics, this book offers valuable insights into the fabric of American society, the reasons behind the structure of our government, and the explanations for its functionality.

4. Explore the period of the American Revolutionary War.

How can we truly comprehend and value the current state of American politics without reflecting on its historical origins, dating back to the inception of the remarkable American endeavor?

A self-learner delving into U.S. politics would benefit from understanding the historical events preceding the establishment of our government, as well as the individuals and philosophies that significantly shaped its original framework and constitution.

Let's have a brief recap courtesy of Heimler's History, an excellent source for going over US history.

Here are additional materials to help you deepen your understanding of the history of the American Revolution:

Yale's no-cost online offering, The American Revolution, is a course provided by the university that you can access remotely. It features lecture videos from History Professor Joanne Freeman and includes a schedule of readings that you are expected to complete as outlined in the course plan.
"The Intellectual Foundations of the American Uprising: Renowned as the top-tier work on the thought processes and convictions of the American revolutionaries, this Pulitzer-Prize awarded text is held in high esteem for its coverage of their intellectual existence."
The American Revolution: Gordon S. Wood presents the historical events leading up to and during the revolution in a clear and chronological order. It's an effective resource for swiftly gaining an understanding of the key occurrences that set the stage for and constituted the war itself.
Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton provides a detailed account of how this driven founding father contributed to the formation of America's governmental structure, economic framework, and the Constitution. It also sheds light on the chaotic period that followed the revolution.

Understanding the ideals that motivated the revolutionaries during America's establishment and the reasons behind their struggle will enhance your ability to safeguard these ideals as you become more politically empowered through learning politics and engagement.

5. Freshen Up on Your U.S. History

Understanding the fundamentals of U.S. history is crucial when undertaking an independent study politics and government. You have the option to delve thoroughly into the subject, maybe by following a comprehensive guide for self-learning U.S. history, or you could simply revisit the key moments and significant occurrences to jog your memory.

Engaging in historical studies allows you to gain insight into the beginnings and evolution (or decline) of the current political structures we possess.

You'll also witness political figures making choices that changed the trajectory of our nation and the globe, such as when the Southern states chose to split from the Union or when Truman decided to use the atomic bombs.

Additionally, the majority of textbooks and classes focusing on the history of the United States tend to include considerable details about political affairs. Therefore, you receive instruction in both areas. This is due to the fact that significant historical happenings were often initiated by political figures or organizations with specific agendas.

For instance, crafting a historical account of the Civil War would be challenging without delving into the political objectives pursued by the governments of the Southern states.

Having stated that, here are a few methods to enhance your knowledge of American history:

Dive into "A Little History of the United States" by James Davidson, an engaging and personality-rich narrative that covers five centuries of American history in a concise 344 pages.
Participate in Columbia University's in-depth Civil War & Reconstruction Series, which comprises three extensive courses spanning more than a year, requiring a dedication of 4 to 6 hours weekly. By investing $135, you can gain comprehensive knowledge and expertise on the subject of the Civil War.
Delve into "A People's History of the United States" and experience the journey of America's women, African Americans, Native Americans, the working class, and immigrants. This engaging history book provides a dynamic perspective on their stories.
Explore the Magnificent Anthology of American Essays: Delve into the history of the United States by sequentially examining a curated selection of essays from its most eminent authors, beginning with the Puritan Cotton Mather and the esteemed founding figure Ben Franklin, extending to contemporary voices like Zadie Smith.

It feels rewarding to counter an argument regarding the government's actions by citing an instance from America's past where similar steps led to unfavorable outcomes.

You could remind your friend, "Recall the time when Nixon attempted a comparable move? Think back to the repercussions that befell the dairy industry – the dairy farmers!"

By examining the outcomes of political choices made in history, you will be more prepared to forecast the consequences of contemporary political decisions.

Consequently, numerous presidents turn to historians for counsel. You will also improve in devising strategies for problems without recurring past errors.

Looking for additional motivations to delve into historical literature? Take a look at my piece titled "Why History Should be Included in Every Self-Education Plan."

6. Examine the Key Rulings Handed Down by the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court possesses an immense capacity to shape our liberties and everyday experiences as members of society. As a result, it is quite usual for a ruling from the Supreme Court to be prominently featured in political news outlets, with commentators offering their perspectives on the issue.

Numerous individuals recall being taught about significant Supreme Court rulings such as Marbury versus Madison and Brown versus Board of Education during their high school years. However, the specific details of these cases, what the court determined, and the consequences of these rulings tend to be forgotten.

In my experience, when I made the choice to revisit the most influential Supreme Court rulings, I turned to a brief volume for a refresher. Aptly named, as you might have surmised, the book is titled "Supreme Court Decisions," and spans just 176 pages.

Supreme Court Decisions

The text is divided into six sections, with each one examining between four to seven significant legal cases and rulings that pertain to six critical topics: the authority of the government, the right to free speech, the freedom of religious practice, civil liberties, privacy rights, and the judicial system in both criminal and civil contexts.

Before delving into each significant Supreme Court ruling, you will be presented with an introductory summary that encapsulates the essence of the case, followed by a condensed rendition of the court's actual decision. This concise account will convey the core reasoning behind the Supreme Court's conclusion, sparing you the complexity of technical legal jargon.

Strategies for Retaining Information from This Book

I suggest going through one or two Supreme Court cases gradually, taking the time to absorb each one. After reading, take a moment to pause and attempt to recall the case by name, give a brief overview of its content, outline the verdict, and consider its repercussions. You can do this exercise by jotting it down, thinking about it, or saying it out loud. This method has greatly benefited me in firmly embedding the details of the Supreme Court rulings in my memory for later reference.

Perusing this small tome may serve as an excellent means of identifying topics that ignite your anger or enthusiasm, providing guidance for your academic pursuits. This leads us to our subsequent phase in the outlined pathway.

7. Choose a few political topics that you believe are of utmost significance.

Having learned about America's political system and history, it's now the moment to apply this understanding by identifying and targeting specific political issues that you are passionate about and want to effect change in. You might already be aware of the issues that provoke or inspire you.

However, if nothing immediately comes to mind, consider the following significant potential problem areas:

Immigration
Climate Change & Pollution
Education & Income Inequality
Racial Prejudice
Scientific Research
Healthcare
Criminal Justice Reform
Prescription Drug Costs
Habitat Degradation

You might hold passionate opinions on numerous topics, but it's probable that a couple of them truly ignite a fire in your heart. After pinpointing the top one to three concerns that matter most to you, you can begin diving into articles, and books to learn about politics, and podcasts that zero in on those particular subjects.

As an illustration, should your focus be on learning about climate change, you might begin by perusing Rachel Carson's seminal work "Silent Spring" and regularly reviewing the environmental coverage provided by the news sources you most prefer.

Take a look at The Guardian's section dedicated to environmental news, to illustrate our point:

By concentrating on a select number of topics, you will develop an in-depth understanding of those areas and be regarded as an authority on them compared to the typical individual engaged in political matters.

If you possess in-depth knowledge in a particular field and project that expertise convincingly, you'll gain greater influence and improve your chances of securing meaningful roles, possibly within a charitable organization or as part of a political effort. Additionally, you'll find it easier to convince people to support your cause.

Finally, understanding the specific issues you should concentrate on — whether it's immigration, firearms regulation, or healthcare — will assist you in making more informed and strategic decisions about the direction of your independent studies in American politics.

8. Regularly follow news sources that cover politics.

It's important to shift your focus from previous occurrences to the present happenings within the realm of politics, particularly those related to your main areas of concern. Keeping abreast of these topics is likely to be the most crucial continuous act in grasping the intricacies of politics in the United States.

Staying updated with current events will enhance your understanding as a citizen and enable you to apply your knowledge of history and politics. This practice will help you to formulate educated viewpoints regarding the events, decisions, trends, or movements in the discourse.

Choose several sources of political news that you can consistently read, watch, or listen to. Begin by digesting at least two articles every day. As you become accustomed to this routine, gradually expand the number of articles you consume, possibly incorporating it into your morning routine.

It's typically advisable to seek out news sources that maintain political neutrality and do not lean excessively to the left or the right. A helpful chart to discover impartial news platforms is provided below.

The rectangle in green encompasses media outlets that excel in reporting factual information and avoid imparting personal views or attempting to sway the audience.

Publications often struggle to stay impartial. Therefore, it could be beneficial to diversify your news sources. Consider mixing up your reading with sources such as The Economist, which offers centrist, in-depth analysis, The Wall Street Journal, which leans a bit to the right and is focused on facts, and Politico, which tilts slightly to the left and also prioritizes factual reporting.

Whenever you are reading the news, ensure that you engage in thorough analysis of the writer's presentation, even if they are simply recounting the events that transpired. Should you encounter any information that appears unreasonable, confirm its accuracy by consulting other trustworthy news sources. To safeguard against false information, consider following this comprehensive guide.

Expert Suggestion: It's worthwhile to investigate whether any of the news sources you prefer offer podcasts. Many have concise episodes, about 15 minutes long, that focus on the top news stories of the day. These are convenient to listen to when you're commuting or preparing a meal. For instance, NPR has a five-minute podcast that quickly updates you on the current headlines.

9. Follow Investigative Journalism Sites

Delving into a particular matter is more thorough when you engage with content from investigative journalism sources, either through articles or documentaries. The journalists at these outlets typically conduct extensive and original investigations to uncover hidden details and seek out the veracity of the situation.

For instance, in a conflict scenario, a reporter delving into an investigation might venture into the battle zone and converse with several military personnel about what they are going through while under the threat of nearby gunfire.

Here is a list of some of the most famous and highly regarded websites dedicated to investigative journalism:

ProPublica, established by an ex-managing editor from the Wall Street Journal, is a non-profit investigative journalism platform that has earned the prestigious Pulitzer Prize on three occasions since its inception in 2010.
I really enjoy watching the hour-long documentaries produced by PBS Frontline, which include in-depth, on-the-scene journalism. Their documentaries are available to watch on the internet.
The Center for Public Integrity (CPI) is renowned for its exceptional investigative journalism, winning multiple accolades for its work. In 2014, the nonprofit organization was honored with a Pulitzer Prize.

Many tales relayed by these outlets can be astonishing, particularly when they uncover secrets that were deliberately kept from the public's knowledge.

10. Begin engaging with political literature by reading books.

Many secondhand bookstores and libraries include areas designated for political affairs, contemporary issues, or related categories. Often, the books found within these sections explore various topics like societal, international, governmental, or financial problems and propose potential resolutions for these challenges.

Others may adopt a historical perspective, exploring the roots and evolution of a significant political movement or ideology.

Nearly every one of them suggests a need for alterations in the behavior of the government or citizens. For instance, David French, in his popular book "Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation," argues for genuine acceptance of those from opposing political sides as a means to heal the nation's divisions before the situation worsens.

BookAuthority offers a commendable selection of the greatest all-time political books which you might find interesting to explore. Alternatively, you can search online for topics that interest you to discover relevant books, allowing you to become more knowledgeable in the areas you care about.

By exploring the world of books, you can discover many excellent reads. Immersing yourself in literature will not only help you recognize your own passions but also provide you with a more profound understanding of relevant modern-day topics that are important.

11. Educate yourself on the important political figures.

How often have you found yourself talking to someone when they mention a political figure that you don't recognize?

I find myself in this situation more often than I care to acknowledge, where I experience a hint of shame or mortification due to my lack of awareness about an influential individual's identity, their political affiliation, and their objectives.

In order to cultivate an understanding of politics, it's essential to familiarize yourself with key figures in both your state and the national government. A helpful resource to begin this process could be Politico's list of the top 9 most impactful political figures of 2021.

Additionally, think about identifying your local officials and the governor of your state, and take some time to understand their perspectives and convictions. At a minimum, this knowledge will assist you in casting a well-informed vote when it's time to support or oppose them in future elections.

It's also important to be familiar with the legislators from your state, including both congress members and senators. Upon seeking advice from a friend who is knowledgeable about politics regarding my focus study politics programs, he suggested that it would be beneficial not only to memorize the names of these elected officials but to also understand their prioritized political concerns and their respective positions on these matters.

Expert Advice: Political figures are increasingly adept at using digital platforms and have started to establish a presence on social media. By following their accounts, you can keep abreast of their latest actions and updates.

12. Begin exploring the fundamental concepts of political philosophy.

Because of my strong interest in philosophy, I initially delved into politics by immersing myself in the why do we study politics.

It seems that the approach taken may not have been the best choice. It might have been wiser to focus on understanding the workings of the US government and getting into the routine of keeping up with recent happenings first, before attempting to tackle these frequently difficult ideas and literature, particularly because I wished to enhance my political knowledge and fluency.

Despite the possibility that I delved into it too early, I have no regrets about exploring the subject. I took great pleasure in discovering the thoughts of some of history's most renowned political thinkers—such as Machiavelli, Rousseau, and Hobbes—on critical issues such as the best type of government, the fundamental objectives of governance, significant political ambitions, and the concept of justice, a topic notably addressed in Plato’s "Republic."

Exploring the topic, even at a basic level, deepened my respect for contemporary governance and political systems, regardless of any personal complaints I might have. The experience also stimulated my mind and enhanced my ability to think analytically.

Despite finding it somewhat challenging to articulate the essence of political philosophy myself, I will defer to a Yale professor’s expertise to provide a definition for me.

If you're looking to delve into political philosophy and are just beginning, consider the following two introductory resources:

Yale's Free Online Course on Political Philosophy: Yale University offers a complimentary online course that guides you through the foundational concepts and thoughts of the most renowned political philosophers from the ancient and enlightenment periods, beginning with the works of Plato and concluding with the insights of De Tocqueville.
Political Thinkers: From Ancient to Modern Times: This volume explores the seminal ideas of the most influential political philosophers throughout history. It differentiates itself from the previously mentioned course by including discussions on contemporary political theorists such as Foucault and Wollstonecraft.

Despite the fact that several of these philosophers lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago, they engaged with eternal inquiries pertaining to governance that remain pertinent in modern times. The insights they provided to these queries can shape and influence our personal perspectives on a multitude of political subjects and debates, and, above all, prompt us to engage in profound contemplation.

Additionally, a number of philosophers from the ancient times and the Age of Enlightenment had a significant impact on figures such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, among other architects of American governance. Notably, John Locke's thoughts on popular sovereignty and the concept of a social contract provided inspiration to these founding fathers as they engaged in political state-building. There’s an interesting article detailing the philosophical inspirations behind the Declaration of Independence that you might want to check out.

Should you be interested in pursuing an independent study of political philosophy, I am in the process of creating a guide for self-learners which will provide a structured path to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Should you be keen to delve deeply into political philosophy, I recommend following the political philosophy guide that I've laid out for you to read!

13. Engage in Political Activities and Maintain a Commitment to Ongoing Education.

Allowing your understanding of politics and governance to remain idle in your mind is unproductive. Take proactive steps, such as pursuing a public office position in your community, obtaining a relevant academic qualification, or launching a blog focused on your specific area of interest. By doing so, you can communicate your insights with others. Employ your acquired wisdom to instigate the transformations you desire to witness globally.

Here are six methods for participating in the political process:

Participate in Your Local Government Sessions: Public education boards, municipal committees, and various government gatherings welcome citizen attendance. Take the opportunity to express your opinions and evaluate how effectively your representatives are doing their jobs, particularly if you're considering the next steps…
Campaign for a Position: Are you confident in your ability to triumph in a political race? You could be underestimating yourself. Pursuing an elected role is an excellent strategy to actively make the changes you care deeply about. Check out this manual on how to campaign for a municipal government position.
Begin a blog, launch a podcast, or establish a SubStack: Think about producing material centered on the political subject you're passionate about. Provide informative content regarding the latest developments, associated happenings, alterations in legislation, and strategies for making a difference.
Lend a Helping Hand in a Political Campaign: The friend with political expertise whom I referenced before in the text chose to dedicate time to a legislator's electoral effort by making unsolicited calls to secure votes. However, campaigns can benefit from a variety of talents. Look for a leader you trust and offer them your support.
Get Involved with a Charitable Organization: Countless charitable groups dedicate their efforts to various causes, ranging from combating hunger to defending the right to free expression (for example, the ACLU). Seek out an organization that advocates for the change you're passionate about and contribute your expertise and enthusiasm.
Pursuing a Career in Politics: If you're interested in roles such as a policy analyst or a staffer in congress, don't be intimidated by how daunting it may appear. You can absolutely achieve this, and with your determination and expertise, you are an excellent fit for the job. Let's look at some advice for making your way into the political arena.

By engaging in political activities, you will naturally increase your understanding of political processes and the mechanisms of governance. Additionally, you will encounter like-minded individuals knowledgeable in politics, with whom discussions about politics, historical events, current affairs, and possibly political theory can occur, enriching your knowledge significantly.