This volume is designed to serve as a core text for the widest range of Introduction to Political Science courses; also to be used as a supplement to a variety of textbooks in the field of political science. Although as a core book it will be succinct and tightly organized and without a particular disciplinary slant, it will present the essence of the subject in an interesting way. Chapters of special relevance: our Western political heritage, comparative politics, international relations, recent focuses of study. Major contributors to particular areas of political science will be noted throughout..