This revised and updated work is a study in applied political theory. It uses current political society and politics as its backdrop and shows that the nature, authority, origin, and purpose of the state are dictated by fundamental theoretical and practical principles linked to goals and values of ordinary life.

This book explains:
— History is about the past; politics, the future!
— Democracy's "myth" is undone
— What political scientists do
— Contrasting views on state purpose, authority, limits
— Sketches of "ideologies"
— Structured explanation of justice
— Subsidiarity," easily grasped in federalism, explains rights, property ownership, groups, the role of religion, and "world government"
— Ancient constitutionalism blended with modern life
— Case study (the Philippines) showing the challenge of constitutional adaptability
— The "review function" that favors presidential government
— Principles with change