The world of politics is often difficult to understand without some theoretical training. Yet, it is vital, particularly for citizens of a democracy, to understand how politics works. For all its complexity and frequent inelegance, politics is what allows humans to manage their differences, to share their resources, to protect their rights, and to change their governments. Political science methodologies, approaches and theories allow students to learn how the state, the structures of government and the political process impact their daily lives. Find out why consumer advocate Ralph Nader said that you should "turn on to politics before politics turn on you". Discover the value of being a "good citizen". Now more than ever, the citizens, especially, those from socially-marginalized sectors of the population need to develop a deep understanding of politics and ideologies and how they are relevant to securing or advancing their material interests.
And find out why the late Brazilian educator Paulo Freire had this to say about political participation, leaders and the citizenry, "Leaders who do not act dialogically, but insist on imposing their decisions, do not organize the people--they manipulate them. They do not liberate, nor are they liberated: they oppress." Pedagogy of the Oppressed