As an introduction to political theory and science, this collection of writings by the great philosophers will be of close interest to general readers It also serves as a basic textbook for students of government and political theory Such fundamental concepts as Democracy, the Rule of Law, Justice, Natural Rights, Sovereignty, Citizenship, Power, the State, Revolution, Liberty, Reason, Materialism, Toleration, and the Separation of Church and State are traced from their origins, through their development and changing patterns, to show how they guide political thinking and institutions today