LibGuides: Political Science: Use Background Sources

What is background information?

When you are first starting a research project, or once you've already settled on a topic, background sources help to introduce you to key elements of your topic.

Definitions of major and relevant terms
Introduction to key issues in your topic area
What scholars have historically written as it relates to your topic
List of journals published by affiliated professional organizations.
Lists of secondary sources

Background Information

American Presidents
A comprehensive collection of material about the Presidents of the United States and the history of the presidency. This website features essays about each President and their lives before, during, and after their presidential terms.
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook provides information on the history, people and society, government, economy, energy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities.
Counties of the World
Collects data from the CIA, the UN, the Library of Congress and other sources. Includes data about countries back to 1989.

Reference Books

Guide to State Politics and Policy by Richard G. Niemi (Editor); Joshua J. Dyck
Call Number: eBook

Publication Date: 2013
Encyclopedia of International Relations and Global Politics by Martin Griffiths (Editor)
Call Number: eBook

Publication Date: 2013