In a democracy, we generally assume that voters know the policies they prefer and elect like-minded officials who are responsible for carrying them out. We also assume that voters consider candidates' competence, honesty, and other performance-related traits. But does this actually happen? Do voters consider candidates’ policy positions when deciding for whom to vote? And how do politicians’ performances in office factor into the voting decision? In Follow the Leader?, Gabriel S. Lenz sheds light on these central questions of democratic thought. Lenz looks at citizens’ views of candidates both before and after periods of political upheaval, including campaigns, wars, natural disasters, and episodes of economic boom and bust. Noting important shifts in voters’ knowledge and preferences as a result of these events, he finds that, while citizens do assess politicians based on their performance, their policy positions actually matter much less. Even when a policy issue becomes highly prominent, voters rarely shift their votes to the politician whose position best agrees with their own. In fact, Lenz shows, the reverse often takes place: citizens first pick a politician and then adopt that politician’s policy views. In other words, they follow the leader. Based on data drawn from multiple countries, Follow the Leader? is the most definitive treatment to date of when and why policy and performance matter at the voting booth, and it will break new ground in the debates about democracy.

Adams, Alexander argues, was an unwavering politician who strove to protect the people's basic rights and who emphasized the importance of virtue, liberty, a sense of duty, and education in fashioning a republican society. Alexander's fresh reading of Adams' record and a close look into his personal life uncover a masterful politician and a man consistent in his beliefs."--BOOK JACKET.

No renowned centre, institute, school, college or university exists that teaches or has a course on 'Being a Politician'. This is even though politicians of today are the rulers of the present world and have the responsibility to develop and grow society over the next generations. Education, poverty, health, employment, transport, environment, pollution, water and sanitation, space, peace and brotherhood, law and order, lawmaking, and various other subjects are looked after by politicians. Are they fit for all these responsibilities? Are they qualified to do the job? Or do they have proper training to perform this divine work? The answer is 'no'. Thus, the need to bring out the book, where the A to Z of how to become a politician is dealt with. The author has tried to cover all aspects of politicians by giving past and present examples. A lot of research and the vast experience of the author has enabled this book to come out. It is like a holy book for politicians if read attentively and implemented in the truest sense. This book begins from the grooming of politicians and includes topics specially designed for politicians like politicians' time and money management, politicians' relationship management, politicians' speech and debate management, press and interview management, strategic planning for politicians, social media, social work and the digital world of politicians, election strategies for politicians, soft skills for politicians, ethics and morals of politicians, dos and don'ts, famous speeches, and slogans.

Chief Inspector of Detectives Peter McGarr is the hard-nosed policeman of Bartholomew Gill's widely acclaimed series of atmospheric Irish mysteries. Now, here is the novel that started it all--the Chief Inspector's very first appearance. It was twilight on Killiney Bay when they pulled the Yank out of the water, his head split open by a violent blow. For McGarr, the case was a welcome chance to escape the gloom of Dublin. But from his first moment at the injured man's yacht club, McGarr realizes getting at the truth will require fitting together a number of jagged pieces: the world-class sailor who ran both his boat and his life aground; the beautiful woman who paid his bills; and the politician who was uncharacteristically involving himself in a homicide investigation. Suddenly, McGarr must face a malevolent plot of IRA gunrunning, betrayal, and conspiracy--all aimed at not just killing one unhappy sailor, but framing a certain Chief Inspector, and keeping him away from secrets even more dangerous than murder. Chief Inspector of Detectives Peter McGarr is the hard-nosed policeman of Bartholomew Gill's widely acclaimed series of atmospheric Irish mysteries.Now, here is the novel that started it all--the Chief Inspector's very first appearance. It was twilight on Killiney Bay when they pulled the Yank out of the water, his head split open by a violent blow. For McGarr, the case was a welcome chance to escape the gloom of Dublin. But from his first moment at the injured man's yacht club, McGarr realizes getting at the truth will require fitting together a number of jagged pieces: the world-class sailor who ran both his boat and his life aground; the beautiful woman who paid his bills; and the politician who was uncharacteristically involving himself in a homicide investigation. Suddenly, McGarr must face a malevolent plot of IRA gunrunning, betrayal, and conspiracy--all aimed at not just killing one unhappy sailor, but framing a certain Chief Inspector, and keeping him away from secrets even more dangerous than murder.

Only 10 per cent of those who have sat at the cabinet table in Ireland in almost 100 years have been women, totalling just 19 female politicians. Along with the two former female presidents of Ireland, all of the living members of this exclusive club are interviewed here for the first time, collectively bringing together their voices to reveal the challenges and triumphs of getting to the top table of Irish political life.The interviewees are Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Gemma Hussey, Mary O'Rourke, Nora Owen, Niamh Bhreathnach, Mary Harney, Síle de Valera, Mary Coughlan, Mary Hanafin, Joan Burton, Frances Fitzgerald, Jan O'Sullivan, Heather Humphreys, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, Katherine Zappone, Regina Doherty and Josepha Madigan.From the battles to have their voices heard to balancing a career with family life, dealing with various levels of sexism and an enduring focus on appearance, their personal stories are dramatic, colourful and inspiring. In opening up about how they secured a place at the top table of political life, these women give us remarkable insights into a changing Ireland.'A fascinating and compelling read that couldn't be more timely.' Miriam O'Callaghan'A timely and important contribution to the contemporary reflection on women's historic and future place in Irish society and public life.' Emily O'Reilly, European Ombudsman

Asks how and why anti-political sentiment has grown among British citizens over the last half-century.

This hilarious, touch-and-feel political parody of the popular children's book pat the bunny gives readers a chance to pull Barbara Bush's hair, touch Bill Clinton's briefs, and read George Bush's lips.