American Political Science Association

American Political Science Association
Name	American Political Science Association
Founded	0 1903
Location	Washington, D.C.
Key people	John Gaus (First President)
Website	https://www.apsanet.org

American Political Science Association. Founded in 1903, it is the leading professional organization for individuals engaged in the study of political science and politics in the United States. Dedicated to promoting scholarly research, high-quality teaching, and public engagement, it serves a global membership of academics, students, and practitioners. The association's activities encompass publishing prestigious journals, hosting a major annual conference, and recognizing excellence through a suite of awards.

History

The association was established in 1903 at a meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, with foundational support from scholars like Frank J. Goodnow and Westel W. Willoughby. Its early development was closely tied to the Progressive Era and efforts to apply scientific methods to the study of government, influencing the creation of separate political science departments at institutions like Columbia University and the University of Chicago. Throughout the 20th century, it navigated major intellectual debates, including the behavioral revolution championed by figures such as David Easton and the rise of rational choice theory associated with scholars like William H. Riker. Its evolution reflects broader trends in American academia, including increased methodological diversity and ongoing discussions about the discipline's public role.

Organization and governance

Governance is vested in an elected Council and an executive director who manages the headquarters in Washington, D.C. The association is composed of numerous organized sections, such as the Political Methodology Section and the Foundations of Political Theory Section, which represent specialized subfields. Key leadership includes an annually elected president, with past presidents including notable figures like Robert A. Dahl, Theda Skocpol, and Rogers M. Smith. Operational and strategic guidance is provided by committees like the Program Committee and the Committee on Professional Ethics, Rights, and Freedoms.

Publications

It publishes several flagship journals, most notably the American Political Science Review, one of the discipline's most cited periodicals. Other major publications include PS: Political Science & Politics, which focuses on professional matters, and Perspectives on Politics, which emphasizes broad scholarly essays and reviews. The association also disseminates research through the Journal of Political Science Education and various special series and newsletters. These publications are central to disseminating research on topics ranging from Congress and the Supreme Court to international relations and comparative politics.

Annual meeting

The APSA Annual Meeting & Exhibition is one of the largest global gatherings of political scientists, typically held in cities like Boston, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C. It features hundreds of panels, roundtables, and lectures covering the entire spectrum of the discipline, with presentations on institutions like the United Nations and events like the Cold War. The meeting includes a major exhibition hall for publishers such as Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press, and serves as a key venue for professional networking, recruitment, and the presentation of awards like the Gabriel A. Almond Award.

Awards and honors

The association administers a comprehensive awards program to recognize scholarly and professional achievement. Its highest honor is the James Madison Award, given for distinguished public service. Prestigious book awards include the Ralph J. Bunche Award for ethnic and cultural pluralism and the Woodrow Wilson Foundation Award for the best book on government. Career achievement is recognized by the John Gaus Award and the Hubert H. Humphrey Award, while early-career scholars are honored with prizes like the Franklin L. Burdette Pi Sigma Alpha Award. These awards often commemorate influential figures such as Harold D. Lasswell and Gladys M. Kammerer.

Related organizations

It maintains formal affiliations with regional political science associations, including the Midwest Political Science Association, the Southern Political Science Association, and the Western Political Science Association. It is a founding member of the International Political Science Association, based in Montreal, and collaborates with related scholarly bodies like the American Historical Association and the American Sociological Association. Within the United States, it often partners with policy-oriented organizations such as the Brookings Institution and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences on various initiatives.

Category:Political science organizations Category:Professional associations based in Washington, D.C.