Packed with current, global examples, Dooley/Patten's WHY POLITICS MATTERS: AN INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE, 4th EDITION, explains why politics is important to you -- and how you can get involved. Giving you the building blocks to understand political science, it provides a 'big picture' of the field as it explores theory, comparative politics, the U.S. government and international relations. Thoroughly updated, it covers the topics you want and need to know about. You'll find comprehensive coverage of abortion rights, the role of women and politics, voting rights, student loan debt and the Biden v. Nebraska (2023) Supreme Court decision, populism, nationalism, political misinformation, U.S. relations with North Korea and China, the impact of climate change on international relations and more. Engaging exercises prompt you to think critically about chapter concepts and put what you learn into practice.