Benjamin Ginsberg Libros

Focusing on the intricacies of government and governance in American states, the text provides a critical analysis that is valuable for both students and engaged citizens. It delves into the complexities of state politics and concludes with a proposal designed to enhance civic literacy and encourage active participation in governance.

An introduction to the U.S. Congress, from seasoned political historians and teachers

In the Eighth Edition, American Government: Power and Purpose maintains the analytical rigor, focused pedagogy, and judicious use of relevant history that have distinguished it as the authoritative text for American government courses. Retaining the analytical framework that first appeared in the Seventh Edition, the Eighth Edition emphasizes five core "Principles of Politics": 1. All political behavior has a purpose 2. All politics is collective action 3. Institutions matter 4. Political outcomes are the products of individuals' preferences and institutional procedures 5. History matters By drawing on these principles throughout the text, the authors expose students to repeated applications of core ideas in their discussion of political concepts and history. The result is a refined, accessible portrait of America's government institutions and political life that encourages students to think critically and analytically.

War, despite its brutality, has historically propelled human progress, according to political scientist Benjamin Ginsberg. In this well-researched study, Ginsberg argues that armed conflict fosters societal traits associated with advancement, such as rationality, technological innovation, economic growth, and the emergence of liberal governments. His analysis provides a thought-provoking perspective on the paradoxical relationship between warfare and civilization's development.

Exploring the controversial idea that violence is a fundamental catalyst for war, politics, and social stability, the thesis challenges conventional perspectives on power dynamics. It delves into the intricate relationship between aggression and societal structures, arguing that understanding this connection is crucial for comprehending historical and contemporary events. The work invites readers to reconsider the role of violence in shaping human interactions and governance.

Until very recently, American universities were led mainly by their faculties, which viewed intellectual production and pedagogy as the core missions of higher education. Today, as Benjamin Ginsberg warns in this eye-opening, controversial book, "deanlets"--Administrators and staffers often without serious academic backgrounds or experience--are setting the educational agenda. The Fall of the Faculty examines the fallout of rampant administrative blight that now plagues the nation's universities. In the past decade, universities have added layers of administrators and staffers to their payrolls every year even while laying off full-time faculty in increasing numbers--ostensibly because of budget cuts. Many of the newly minted--and non-academic--administrators are career managers who downplay the importance of teaching and research, as evidenced by their tireless advocacy for a banal "life skills" curriculum. Consequently, students are denied a more enriching educational experience--one defined by intellectual rigor. Ginsberg also reveals how the legitimate grievances of minority groups and liberal activists, which were traditionally championed by faculty members, have, in the hands of administrators, been reduced to chess pieces in a game of power politics. As troubling as this trend has become, there are ways to reverse it. The Fall of the Faculty outlines how we can revamp the system so that real educators can regain their voice in curriculum policy

The collection of scholarly essays delves into the troubling aspects of contemporary politics, with a focus on American political dynamics. It analyzes the pervasive influence of self-interest, war, violence, deception, and institutional failures that shape the political landscape today. Through rigorous examination, the essays provide insights into the complexities and challenges facing modern governance.

"This book reveals a surprising ignorance on the part of unelected federal officials regarding the life circumstances and opinions of average Americans as well as an attitude of condescension"--

Those who saw Donald Trump as a novel threat looming over American democracy and now think the danger has passed may not have been paying much attention to the political developments of the past several decades. Trump was merely the most recent-and will surely not be the last-in a long line of presidents who expanded the powers of the office and did not hesitate to act unilaterally when so doing served their purposes. Though presidents are elected more or less democratically, the presidency is not and was never intended to be a democratic institution. The framers thought that America would be governed by its representative assembly, the Congress of the United States. Presidential power, like a dangerous pharmaceutical, might have been labeled, "to be used only when needed." Today, Congress sporadically engages in law making but the president actually governs. Congress has become more an inquisitorial than a legislative body. Presidents rule through edicts while their opponents in the Congress counter with coups. The courts sputter and fume but generally back the president. This is the new separation of powers-the president exercises power and the other branches are separated from it. Where will this end? Regardless of who occupies the Oval Office, the imperial presidency inexorably is bringing down the curtain on American representative democracy.