Posted by For anyone interested in learning more about political science, there is a wealth of free resources available online. From classic texts to modern books, there is something for everyone. So, we’ve provided you with a comprehensive list of the top free books on political science, along with a brief overview of each one.
By reading these books, you can gain a better understanding of the world around you and make more informed decisions about your own life and the issues that affect us all.
Oh, did you know that political science is one of the most popular majors in the United States? In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were over 60,000 bachelor’s degrees awarded in political science in 2016 alone.
This field of study is predicted to grow over the next few years, making it a great option for those looking to enter the job market.
With all of these great opportunities, it’s no wonder that so many people are interested in learning more about this fascinating field. Including you.
What is Political Science?
Political science is a study of the interactions between different branches of government, as well as how governments interact with other institutions like the media and businesses.
It also covers topics like how laws are made, how elections work, and the history of politics and government around the world.
Political science is about understanding the way power and authority are distributed and exercised, and how this affects individuals and societies.
To sum it up, you can just say that political science is the study of politics and government.
Benefits of Reading Books on Political Science
The following are the things you gain from reading political science books:
- You’ll gain insights into human nature and behavior
- These books will help you become a more informed and engaged citizen
- You’ll be entertained and intellectually stimulated
- They help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills
- You’ll improve your vocabulary and writing skills
- Political science books help broaden your perspective and allow you to see different points of view
- When you read political science books, you get to become better equipped to handle difficult situations in your own life.
List of 20 Free Books on Political Science
Below is a list of the top free political science books:
- The Prince by Machiavelli
- The Social Contract by Rousseau
- An Essay on the Principle of Population by Malthus
- On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
- Democracy in America, by Alexis de Tocqueville
- The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
- Political Ideologies by Andrew Heywood
- The Origins of Political Order, by Francis Fukuyama
- A Theory of Justice by John Rawls
- The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Popper
- Capitalism and Freedom, by Milton Friedman
- Rules for Radicals, by Saul Alinsky
- What is Enlightenment? by Immanuel Kant
- The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere by Jürgen Habermas
- Economy and Society, by Max Weber
- The Myth of the Rational Voter, by Bryan Caplan
- Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken
- The Logic of Collective Action by Mancur Olson
- Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty
- The State by Robert Dah.
Insights on the Free Political Science Books
The Prince by Machiavelli
- Year Published: 1532
Description
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli is one of the most famous books on political science. It’s a short treatise that offers advice on how to gain and maintain political power.
Machiavelli wrote The Prince as a gift to the ruling Medici family in Florence, and it quickly became a classic text on the subject of political power.
The Prince is famous for his controversial advice, which often involves deception and ruthlessness.
The Social Contract by Rousseau
- Year Published: 1762
Description
The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is another classic book on political science. It was first published in 1762 and is one of the foundational texts of modern political philosophy.
In this book, Rousseau argues that society is based on a social contract between the people and the government.
He also argues that the state should be responsible for ensuring the welfare of its citizens and that education should be provided for all.
An Essay on the Principle of Population by Malthus
- Year Published: 1798
Description
This book by Thomas Malthus is a seminal work in the field of political science and economics. In it, Malthus argues that population growth will always outstrip the growth of food production, leading to poverty and other social ills.
Although An Essay on the Principle of Population was highly influential in its day, it has also been criticized for its pessimistic view of human nature and its lack of empirical evidence.
Despite its limitations, the book remains an important contribution to the study of population and its impact on society.
On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
- Year Published: 1859
Description
One of the top free books on political science is On Liberty by John Stuart. It’s one of the most important works in the history of political philosophy.
In it, Mill argues for a system of individual freedom that would allow people to pursue their own goals and interests without interference from the government.
He also argues for a harm principle that would only allow the government to restrict individual freedom if it would prevent harm to others.
The book is also notable for its clear and accessible writing style, which makes it accessible to a wide range of readers.
Democracy in America, by Alexis de Tocqueville
- Year Published: 1835
Description
In this book, de Tocqueville presents his observations of American society and politics, which he made during a trip to the United States in 1831-32.
He argues that democracy is the most important force shaping the future of the world and that the United States is a model for how democracy can be implemented in a way that balances individual freedom with social order.
De Tocqueville’s work is notable for its understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of American democracy, as well as its enduring insights
The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
- Year Published: 1788
Description
This is a collection of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in support of the ratification of the United States Constitution.
These essays were originally published anonymously in 1787 and 1788, and they played a critical role in persuading the American people to adopt the Constitution.
The Federalist Papers are notable for their clear and concise arguments, as well as their detailed analysis of the structure and function of the proposed government.
Political Ideologies by Andrew Heywood
- Year Published: 1992
Description
Andrew Heywood’s Political Ideologies is a comprehensive introduction to the major political ideologies that have shaped the modern world.
Heywood provides a clear and accessible overview of liberalism, conservatism, socialism, anarchism, feminism, nationalism, and environmentalism.
He also explores the origins and development of each ideology, as well as their key concepts and principles.
Throughout the book, Heywood emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of each ideology, and he encourages readers to think critically about the ideas presented.
The Origins of Political Order, by Francis Fukuyama
- Year Published: 2011
Description
The next book on the list of books on political science is The Origins of Political Order. In this book, Fukuyama argues that the origins of political order can be traced back to when humans began to form tribes and clans to protect themselves from violence.
He then traces the development of political order through the rise of the state, the spread of democracy, and the challenges facing modern societies.
Fukuyama’s book is notable for its ambitious scope as well as its insightful analysis of the forces that shape the development of the political order.
A Theory of Justice by John Rawls
- Year Published: 1971
Description
Rawls presents a radical new theory of justice, based on the idea of a veil of ignorance that would allow us to determine what principles of justice would be chosen if we did not know our position in society.
He argues that a just society is designed to be fair and impartial, and he outlines two key principles of justice that would help to create such a society.
Rawls’ work has had a profound impact on the fields of political philosophy, economics, and law.
The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Popper
- Year Published: 1945
Description
In this book, Popper argues that the idea of an open society is threatened by totalitarian ideologies, such as fascism and communism.
He argues that these ideologies are based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of knowledge and that they lead to dangerous and destructive policies.
The book is also notable for its influence on later thinkers, including Isaiah Berlin and Friedrich Hayek.
Capitalism and Freedom, by Milton Friedman
- Year Published: 1962
Description
In Capitalism and Freedom, Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman presents a robust defense of free market capitalism and individual liberty.
He argues that capitalism is the only economic system that is compatible with a free and democratic society, and he outlines the principles that should guide government policy to promote economic freedom.
Friedman also addresses some of the most common criticisms of capitalism, including the claim that it leads to inequality and exploitation.
Rules for Radicals, by Saul Alinsky
- Year Published: 1971
Description
This is a guide to political activism and community organizing that has become a classic text for activists and social change agents.
The book lays out a set of rules for effective organizing, including the importance of knowing your target, building relationships, and understanding the power dynamics at play.
Alinsky’s work has influenced a wide range of activists and organizations, from labor unions to the Black Panthers to the Obama campaign.
What is Enlightenment? by Immanuel Kant
- Year Published: 1784
Description
Immanuel Kant’s 1784 essay What is Enlightenment? is one of the most influential texts on the philosophy of Enlightenment.
In this book, he argues that true enlightenment is not simply a matter of learning new facts or acquiring knowledge but rather involves thinking for oneself and developing one’s critical judgment.
Kant’s essay is a powerful defense of freedom of thought and expression, and it has been influential in shaping the modern conception of enlightenment and the role of intellectuals in society.
The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere by Jürgen Habermas
- Year Published: 1962
Description
Jürgen Habermas’ The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere is a groundbreaking work of social and political theory that has had a profound influence on the study of democracy, media, and civil society.
In the book, Habermas traces the evolution of the public sphere from its origins in 17th-century Europe to its transformation in the 19th and 20th centuries.
He argues that the modern public sphere has been colonized by the state and the mass media, and he calls for the renewal of democratic discourse and the revitalization of civil society.
Economy and Society, by Max Weber
- Year Published: 1921
Description
Economy and Society is one of the most influential works of sociology, and it is considered one of the foundational texts of the discipline.
In the book, Weber analyzes the economic, political, and cultural conditions of modern society, and he offers a systematic analysis of how these factors interact to shape social life.
The book is notable for its multifaceted approach, which combines history, economics, politics, and religion to paint a complex picture of modern society.
The Myth of the Rational Voter, by Bryan Caplan
- Year Published: 2007
Description
Bryan Caplan, an economist, challenges the idea that voters make rational decisions when they go to the polls.
Drawing on economic theory and empirical evidence, Caplan argues that voters are often motivated by biases and irrational beliefs, rather than a desire to make informed decisions.
He offers a provocative critique of the assumption that democracy produces optimal outcomes, and he proposes reforms that would increase the rationality of voter decision-making.
While his ideas are controversial, Caplan’s work has sparked debate and reflection on the nature of democracy and the role of voters in modern society.
Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken
- Year Published: 2006
Description
Another book you should consider under free books on political science is The Blessed Unrest. This book celebrates what the author calls the rise of a worldwide movement for social and environmental change.
He argues that this movement, made up of millions of individuals and organizations, is the most important force for positive change in the world today.
Hawken paints a hopeful picture of the future, in which social and environmental progress is driven by a collective desire for a better world.
The book is a call to action for anyone interested in making a difference in their community or on a global scale.
The Logic of Collective Action by Mancur Olson
- Year Published: 1965
Description
Olson applies this concept to the collective action problem, in which groups of people face difficulty achieving their goals because each individual has an incentive to free-ride on the efforts of others.
Also, Olson argues that collective action can be achieved if certain conditions are met, such as the existence of selective incentives and a low-cost organizational structure.
Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty
- Year Published: 2013
Description
In the book, Piketty investigates the long-term dynamics of wealth distribution and economic inequality.
He argues that, without significant policy intervention, wealth inequality will continue to increase in the coming decades.
The book sparked a vigorous debate about the role of capitalism in society, and it was widely praised for its scope and depth of analysis.
Piketty’s work has been influential in the development of economic policy around the world. It is considered a must-read for anyone interested in the future of capitalism and the economy.
The State by Robert Dahl
- Year Published: 1977
Description
In The State, sociologist Robert Dahl offers a comprehensive account of the modern state and its role in society.
This book examines the role of the state concerning issues such as democracy, equality, and economic development.
FAQs on Free Books on Political Science
Is there a difference between free books and paid books on political science?
There are a few key differences between free books and paid books on political science. For one, free books are often available as digital downloads, while paid books are typically available in print. Free books may also be of a lower quality, as they may not have undergone the same level of editing or quality control as paid books. Additionally, free books may not be as widely available as paid books, as they may only be accessible through certain websites or platforms. Finally, paid books may offer additional features, such as study guides or supplemental material, that free books do not.
Are there any downsides to reading free books on political science?
There are a few potential downsides to reading free books on political science. One downside is that the quality of these books can vary widely, as they may not have been edited or peer-reviewed. Additionally, these books may not have the same level of depth or scholarship as paid books.
Are there any classics that I should read first?
There are a few classic works of political science that are considered must-reads for anyone interested in the field. These include The Republic by Plato, The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, etc. Reading these classics can provide a strong foundation for understanding the history and development of political science. Additionally, these books can offer unique perspectives on key issues and topics that are still relevant today.
Are there any political science books that are particularly relevant to current events?
Some political science books can offer insight into current events. One example is The Origins of Political Order
We Also Recommend:
- Top 25 Sites to Read Free Books Online Without Downloading
- Where to Download Free Ebooks Illegally
- How to Get Free Textbooks in PDF Format Online
- 55+ Free eBook Download Sites Without Registration
- 25+ Free Books to Read After a Breakup.
Conclusion
Free books on political science can be a valuable resource for you if you are looking to learn more about the subject.
While the quality and accessibility of these books can vary, they can still offer unique insights and perspectives on politics and society.
Finally, it is worth noting that free books on political science may not always be up-to-date, but they can still provide a valuable perspective on current events.