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Iowa Politics Bibliography: Historical and Contemporary Politics

The Center for Cyclone Civics has published a bibliography, bringing together scholarly and primary sources on Iowa’s political development and current political landscape in one place.

The resource is intended as a starting point for students at all levels, k-12 and post-secondary faculty, and researchers seeking a curated entry point to the literature on Iowa politics, spanning the state’s early political history through present-day elections, governance, public laws, and civics life.

“This resource demonstrates the Center for Cyclone Civics’ interest in promoting civic education statewide,” said Karen M. Kedrowski, the Center’s Co-Director.

This bibliography is the first of many resources on Iowa Politics and Government that the Center for Cyclone Civics intends to provide for use by all interested individuals.

The full bibliography is available here: Iowa Politics Bibliography: Historical and Contemporary Politics

Publications, theses, and dissertations by ISU faculty and students can be viewed here: Digital Repository [Political Science]

‘Citizens’ Handbook’ available from League of Women Voters of Iowa

Kelly Shaw, co-director of Iowa State University’s Center for Cyclone Civics and teaching professor of political science, and Clair Lewis, a senior in political science and Cyclone Civics intern, recently collaborated with the League of Women Voters of Ames and Story County to create “The Citizens’ Handbook: An Iowan’s Guide to Being a Good Citizen.”

The handbook describes how local, state, and national governments are structured and how Iowans can participate and make their voices heard.

After the League of Women Voters of Indiana developed a Citizens’ Handbook for their state in 2024, the League of Women Voters of Ames and Story County (LWV-ASC) obtained permission from that league to adapt the handbook for Iowa.

Under the direction of the LWV-ASC and with funding from a Making Democracy Work grant from the League of Women Voters Education Fund and community donors, Shaw and Lewis revised the content in the Indiana handbook to reflect Iowa’s governmental structures, political processes, and civic participation opportunities.

“The League of Women Voter’s Citizens’ Handbook makes an important and timely contribution to public life in Iowa,” Shaw said. “By clearly explaining how government works and how citizens can meaningfully participate in it, the Handbook strengthens our collective understanding of the political process and inspires informed, active civic engagement. In the end, we hope that the Handbook provides readers with the confidence to participate fully in our democracy.”

You can download the handbook from the League of Women Voters of Iowa website.

Cyclone Civics supports research by on- and off-campus partners in subjects related to free expression and civics.

  • Civic Literacy

    Enhancing understanding of civic knowledge, such as government structures, history, democratic principles, and knowledge of civil liberties such as free expression.

  • Civic Skills

    Developing skills necessary for civic engagement, including critical thinking, effective communication, respect for free speech rights, and participation in public affairs.

  • Civic Disposition

    Creating a culture of respect for the democratic process, emphasizing values such as tolerance, respect, and active participation in democracy.