American Political Science Association
The American Political Science Association took its first breath in 1903 inside the Tilton Memorial Library at Tulane University. This New Orleans venue hosted a small group of scholars who sought to formalize their field. Woodrow Wilson served as president in 1909, later ascending to become President of the United States. The organization began with a simple goal: to encourage scholarly understanding of political ideas and institutions. Frank J. Goodnow led the association from 1904 through 1905. Harry A. Garfield held the presidency from 1921 to 1922 while also serving as president of the association itself. These early leaders established a framework for what would become a major professional body.
Four core academic journals define the discourse within this discipline today. The American Political Science Review stands alongside Perspectives on Politics, Journal of Political Science Education, and PS , Political Science & Politics. APSA Organized Sections publish or are associated with fifteen additional journals that cover specialized topics. Scholars rely on these publications to share cutting-edge approaches and methodologies. The journal list includes titles like Political Methodology and International Security. Each publication serves distinct needs for practitioners working outside academia and students at various educational stages. Funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supported workshops in Africa starting in 2008. These efforts enhanced capacities for mid-level researchers residing in East and West Africa.
The APSA Annual Meeting occurs every summer on Labor Day weekend. It ranks among the world's largest gatherings of political scientists. This event provides an environment for scholars and other professionals to network and present their work. The APSA Teaching and Learning Conference operates as a smaller working group conference. It hosts cutting-edge approaches, techniques, and methodologies for the political science classroom. Participants discuss broad themes and values of political science education during these sessions. Awards are presented at the Association's Annual Meeting to recognize excellence in the profession. Over 200 awards annually come from the APSA organized sections to honor important research contributions.
APSA administers the Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs located at 1527 New Hampshire Avenue NW. This historic building was once owned by Admiral George Remy and labor leader Samuel Gompers. Harry Garfield, son of President James A. Garfield, also held ownership before becoming president of the association from 1921 to 1922. The center opened in 2003 to mark the centenary of APSA's establishment. It offers fellowships, conference space, and grants for scholars. Funds can range in size from $500 to $10,000 depending upon the specific research fund. Donations from APSA members make these facilities and programs possible today.
The APSA Congressional Fellowship Program is a nonpartisan initiative that has operated since 1953. It brings political scientists, journalists, federal employees, health specialists, and other professionals to Capitol Hill. Participants experience Congress at work through fellowship placements on congressional staffs. The program aims to expand awareness of Congress among diverse groups. It bridges the gap between academic study and government practice. Scholars gain firsthand insight into legislative processes while serving on staff. This initiative supports the mission to inform public choices about government and policy.
APSA Africa Workshops began with a first convening in Dakar, Senegal from the 6th of July 27, 2008. These annual residential workshops are led by a joint U.S. and African organizing team. They target mid-and junior-level scholars residing in Africa specifically. Each three-week workshop brings together up to 30 scholars to cover substantive issues and methodologies. The goal is to enhance capacities of political scientists and their resources across East and West Africa. Funding came initially from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. These events provide a forum for supporting ongoing research projects globally.
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Common questions
When did the American Political Science Association take its first breath?
The American Political Science Association took its first breath in 1903 inside the Tilton Memorial Library at Tulane University. This New Orleans venue hosted a small group of scholars who sought to formalize their field.
Who served as president of the American Political Science Association from 1921 to 1922?
Harry A. Garfield held the presidency of the American Political Science Association from 1921 to 1922 while also serving as president of the association itself. He was the son of President James A. Garfield and previously owned the historic building that now houses the Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs.
What are the four core academic journals that define discourse within the American Political Science Association discipline today?
Four core academic journals define the discourse within this discipline today including The American Political Science Review, Perspectives on Politics, Journal of Political Science Education, and PS , Political Science & Politics. APSA Organized Sections publish or are associated with fifteen additional journals that cover specialized topics like Political Methodology and International Security.
Where is the Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs located and when did it open?
APSA administers the Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs located at 1527 New Hampshire Avenue NW in Washington DC. The center opened in 2003 to mark the centenary of APSA's establishment and offers fellowships, conference space, and grants for scholars.
When did the first APSA Africa Workshop convening take place in Dakar Senegal?
The first APSA Africa Workshop convening took place in Dakar Senegal from the 6th of the 27th of July 2008. These annual residential workshops target mid-and junior-level scholars residing in Africa specifically and bring together up to 30 scholars to cover substantive issues and methodologies.