Charles E. Merriam Essay ⋆ Political Science Essay Examples ⋆ EssayEmpire

Charles E. Merriam (1874–1953) was an American political scientist, presidential advisor, and author. A long-time professor at the University of Chicago, Merriam began his academic career as a graduate student at Columbia University in New York under the tutelage of the creators of the graduate school of political science, John Burgess and William Dunning. It was here Merriam learned that one could both teach politics and be politically active at the same time, and he is believed to be one of the first to bring together academia and politics. An example of this was most likely set for him by the president of Columbia University during his tenure there, Seth Low, a man who made the switch between academic and politician very fluidly. Merriam was also known to incorporate research in the fields of psychology, sociology, and economics into his work. In 1925 Merriam became president of the American Political Science Association.

During his time at Columbia, Merriam frequently tried to get into politics. Twice he ran for mayor and was defeated. However, Merriam held a number of other governmental positions, including councilman. He was an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt when Roosevelt was designing the New Deal, and many of the specifics of the policy program came from Merriam’s advice. He was also a member of the President’s Commission on Administrative Management, the National Resources Planning Board under President Roosevelt, and President Harry S.Truman’s Loyalty Review Board at the beginning of the red scare.

In addition to all of his other accomplishments, Merriam was also a successful entrepreneur. He was excellent at raising money and creating and presenting research projects in a way that attracted affluent donors. His fundraising efforts helped in the creation of the Social Science Research Council.

Merriam often argued with educational theorist George Counts over the role of the university in preparing students to be true citizens. Merriam disagreed with Counts’s idea to teach the students how to reform or to overthrow American capitalism. Merriam saw no reason to teach students to revolt against the country. He instead tried to guide them in how to adhere to the principles of behavior established by the citizenry of America.

Charles Merriam was a valued teacher who left a memorable impression on his students. He helped begin the custom of political science academics by not only teaching political science, but participating in real politics in the surrounding community. This custom continues to be practiced in the early twenty-first century.

Bibliography:

Lasswell, Harold D. “Review: Charles E. Merriam and the Study of Politics by Barry D. Karl.” Political Science Quarterly 90 (Summer 1975): 332-334.
Peel, Roy V. “Review: Charles E. Merriam and the Study of Politics by Barry D. Karl.” Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 420 (July 1975): 207-208.
Rice, Ross R. “Review: Charles E. Merriam and the Study of Politics by Barry D. Karl.” The Western Political Quarterly 29 (March 1976): 146-147.
Rothman, David J. “ Social Science in the Service of Social Policy: The Origins of the Alliance.” “Review: Charles E. Merriam and the Study of Politics by Barry D. Karl.” Reviews in American History 4 (September 1976): 324-330.

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