The political ideas that have inspired history's most vibrant democracy have also made significant contributions to world political thought and practice. This study examines those ideas within a chronological framework. Along with the well-known contributors to American political thought, it analyzes the ideas of many figures who are less well known, but whose ideas are nevertheless significant. This latter category includes women and members of groups often considered to be out of the mainstream and therefore too often ignored. The result reflects a body of thought that -- despite vigorous currents and cross currents -- demonstrates an inherent consistency and coherence.
Max J. Skidmore Livres






Moose Crossing
Portland to Portland on the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway
- 252pages
- 9 heures de lecture
Set against the backdrop of post-World War I America, a group of civic leaders initiated the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway to honor the late president. This monumental road stretches over 4,000 miles, linking Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, while traversing stunning landscapes, including seascapes, mountain vistas, and the Columbia River Gorge. As the northernmost transcontinental route of the 1920s and 30s, it became vital for automobile travel, showcasing unparalleled scenic beauty and encouraging exploration across the continent.
A Common Sense Manifesto (With a Nod to Thomas Paine, Not Karl Marx)
- 308pages
- 11 heures de lecture
The Common Sense Manifesto provides an examination, both broad and deep, into the current political situation in America, and how it came to be. It chronicles the disturbing deterioration of the Republican Party into an extreme and corrupt mechanism ready to receive and incorporate a destructive force that it welcomed wholeheartedly when it appeared in the bombastic, and completely self-centered, form of Donald Trump. Calling for a "blue tsunami," the Manifesto outlines the way forward, out of the insanity. It notes political realities and thus accepts the need to work within the two-party system. It argues for a rational and comprehensive "Modern Political Economy" that recognizes environmental imperatives, corrects severe income and political inequality, expands Social Security, implements universal health care, protects the rights and dignity of all the people, improves America's sagging infrastructure and transportation up to world-class and responsible standards, and ensures full participation in the national bounty in ways that protect the world and all its current and future inhabitants.
Abortion and Informed Common Sense
- 158pages
- 6 heures de lecture
Max J. Skidmore, the author of dozens of books and scores of articles and book chapters, specializes in American politics and social legislation. He has been Distinguished Fulbright Lecturer in India, and Senior Fulbright Scholar at the University of Hong Kong. He has held management positions in American government, and has been liberal arts dean at universities in the American Southwest, and in the Midwest. He was the founding editor of the international journal Poverty and Public Policy (sponsored by the Policy Studies Organization) and was its editor-in-chief for a decade. He is University of Missouri Curators' Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. His Ph.D. is in American Studies, from the University of Minnesota.
Anti-Poverty Measures in America: Scientism and Other Obstacles
- 216pages
- 8 heures de lecture
The book explores the origins and impact of presidential rankings, initiated in 1948 by historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Sr., who gathered 55 experts to categorize U.S. presidents. This innovative approach classified presidents into tiers like "Great" and "Failure," sparking significant public interest. Alongside its popularity, the rankings have faced scrutiny and criticism, raising questions about the criteria and subjectivity involved in assessing presidential legacies.
Social Security And Its Enemies
The Case For America's Most Efficient Insurance Program
- 208pages
- 8 heures de lecture
The book delves into the history and foundational principles of the social security system, highlighting its soundness. It documents the longstanding opposition to social insurance that began with the Social Security Act of 1935, revealing the covert efforts against it and the resurgence of this opposition over the years. Through this exploration, it sheds light on the challenges faced by social security and the ongoing debate surrounding its future.
Poverty in America: Urban and Rural Inequality and Deprivation in the 21st Century
- 380pages
- 14 heures de lecture
The book addresses the often-overlooked issue of poverty in America, challenging the prevailing belief that conditions are better here than elsewhere. It critiques political rhetoric that downplays the severity of poverty, income inequality, and declining social mobility. The author, Max J. Skidmore, a political science professor with extensive experience in social policy, emphasizes the urgent need for society to confront poverty as a critical issue. His background includes numerous publications on related topics, underscoring his expertise in the field.
Presidents, Pandemics, and Politics
- 97pages
- 4 heures de lecture
The book analyzes how American presidents manage pandemics and public health crises, highlighting that effective responses often stem from informed and confident leadership. It critiques Gerald Ford's Swine Flu program, revealing it as a case of government capability rather than incompetence. The author illustrates the mixed success of U.S. government responses, emphasizing that while results can vary widely, presidential action remains crucial for effective crisis management. The text argues against the notion that government is irrelevant in addressing health emergencies, asserting its vital role.
Chronological study of the origins of American political thought, from the earliest classical and European influences, to contemporary twentieth century philosophies such as passive resistance, women's liberation and the New Left