Why should you pursue political studies? Ask our first four presidents:
"In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened." - George Washington
"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right, from the frame of their nature, to knowledge, as their great Creator, who does nothing in vain, has given them understandings, and a desire to know..." - John Adams
"I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is... to inform their discretion by education." - Thomas Jefferson
"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." - James Madison
We live in a republic, and political knowledge is essential to fulfilling your responsibilities as a citizen. You need to study not only our Constitution and system of government, but also political theories, behaviors, attitudes and issues. You should understand why our republic was designed as it was, how and why it’s changed over the last two hundred twenty-five years, and how it works today. You must be able to make wise choices between public policy options and political candidates.
Political studies will not only help make you an informed, responsible citizen, it will prepare you for a variety of careers in fields like law, government, education, public service and the military. Political studies will develop your critical thinking and analytic skills, enhance your ability to persuade and communicate, and increase your awareness of the challenges facing your community, country and world.
Interested in our Law and Politics major?