The Core is an opportunity to inquire into the fundamental aspects of being and our relationship with God, nature and our fellow human beings.

Explore the Core

Popular Searches

Politics Resources and Internships

Politics Resources and Internships

Home-Academics-Programs-Politics-Politics Resources and Internships

Senior Resources

Politics Majors must pass a comprehensive examination. Please click on the link below for instructions.

Senior Comprehensive Examination Instructions (2024)

Politics Resources and Internships

For current and past course schedules, please visit the Registrar.

For help with Chicago, MLA, and APA citation, as well as general advice on writing well, please go here. 
 

Primary and Secondary Resources

Multiple searchable translations
 
Library of Congress-Documents on the American experience.
 
Presidential Documents
 
Speeches
 
Primary source material from 18th Century America
 
Documents in law, history, and diplomacy-Yale Law School
 
Bible resource. Numerous translations.
 
Includes statistics, classics, definitions, articles in journals, and maps. Must sign in through library if off-campus.
 
Articles on Political Philosophy and the American Founding
 
Documents related to the US Constitution
 
 

FindLaw.com
Resources and links for state and federal laws and court decisions.

Founding.com
American founding documents

Search digitized books and journals. Note: only limited previews are allowed of many books and journals. Some of the journals can be accessed on-line through the Library

National Constitution Center
 
Journal archive and collection of recorded lectures
 
Interpretation
A Journal of Political Philosophy. Back issues over 5 years old available on-line. 
 
Large digitized text archive

JSTOR Arts & Sciences I, II
Digital archive of academic journals. Must be logged in to use.

LATO: Library of Ancient Texts Online
Collection of Greek texts.
 
Audio of a large number of Strauss classes
 
Article database.  Must sign in through library if off-campus.
 
Large collection of works on Politics, Law, History, and Philosophy
  
Literature Network
Searchable works
 
Links to philosophy encyclopedias and dictionaries
 
Many classical authors in English translation
 
National Archives
The nation's record keeper of all documents and materials in the course of business conducted by the United States federal government.
 
A collection of full text reference, scholarly, and professional eBooks.  Must login though library if off-campus.
 
Large number of online books
 
American Historical Documents
 
Greek, Roman, Arabic, German, Renaissance, and American texts; Greek (Liddell & Scott Greek Lexicon) and Latin (Lewis & Short Latin dictionary) lexicons and morphological tools 
 
Philosopher's Index
Indexes international coverage of aesthetics, epistemology, ethics, logic, metaphysics & philosophy, education, history & law from books and journals.  Must login through library if off-campus.
 
Texts brief biographies and introductions
 
30,000 free ebooks
 
Highlights of the days political commentary and analysis

University of Dallas Classics Department
Visit the Classics Department for a more complete list of classics links
 
American historical documents from the colonial period until modern times
 
Document Library.  Primary source material related to Dr. Wests book, Vindicating the Founders.
 
Cowan - Blakley Memorial Library Central Search Search a variety of digital databases. Must be logged in to use. Beware that the central search engine does not always work as well as the search engines on the individual databases. For example if you search for Lincoln Douglass Civil War though the Central Search it only returns 2 hits for JSTOR. If you use JSTORs search engine you find 6186 hits.

 

Internships, Job Hunting, and Other Career Resources

Information assembled by Dr. Tiffany Miller for the Department of Politics, University of Dallas. 

ACU/CPAC- www.cpac.org
The American Conservative Union (ACU) and the Conservative Political Action conference (CPAC) are interested in conservative interns, preferably with some political experience, to assist in the preparation of the annual CPAC conference.

Alliance Defense Fund- www.adflegal.org 
The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) offers a number of programs and fellowships for future lawyers.  Among these are the National Litigation Academy, the Blackstone Fellowship, and the William Pew Religious Freedom Scholarship.  More information can be found on their website, or by contacting ADF at

American Enterprise Institute- www.aei.org
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) offers internships in such areas as Economic Policy, Foreign and Defense Studies, Social and Political Studies, Public Relations, Communications, Information Systems, Marketing, and Accounting.  More information can be found at https://www.aei.org/internships/.
 
American Foreign Service Association- www.afsa.org
 The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) offers a number of internships in fields such as Legislative Affairs, Public Affairs, Corporate Relations, Publications Marketing/ Advertising, and Editorial internships.  

Americas Future Foundation- www.americasfuture.org
Americas Future has a job board, located here.

American Legislative Exchange Council- www.alec.org
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is a bipartisan conservative organization dedicated to the ideals of federalism, which seeks to enlist legislators to support Jeffersonian principles.  Internships are offered year-round, in such areas as Legislation and Policy, Public Affairs, and Finance.  More information can be found at http://www.alec.org/open-position/alec-internship-program/ 
  
Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) www.atr.org
ATR accepts applications from undergraduate and graduate students of all majors. However, applicants should have a strong interest in tax reform and economic policy. Part-time hours are available; full-time associates receive a $250/week stipend, with part-time scale varying.  
  
American Institute for Economic Research- www.aier.org
The American Institute for Economic Research offers a number of fellowships to students pursuing graduate study in economics or affiliated subjects, such as law and economics.  More information can be found at https://www.aier.org/video/aier-internship-program/.
 
American Society of International Law- www.asil.org
The American society of International Law (ASIL) offers internships in such areas as Finance, International Legal Materials, Library/ Research, and Sales and Marketing.  
 
Atlantic Council of the United States- www.atlanticcouncil.org
The Atlantic Council offers full and part-time internships in the fall, spring and summer for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience in public policy. Interns participate in a variety of activities that support individual programs and divisions, including research, writing, event management and project development. Students should have a strong interest in international affairs and U.S. foreign relations.  More information can be found at https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/careers/internships/.
  
Cato Institute- www.cato.org
The Cato Institute offers paid internships to undergraduate, graduate students, and law students who are committed to private property, free markets, limited government, and classical liberalism.  More information on the internships can be found at http://www.cato.org/jobs/intern/.
 
Center for Defense Information- www.cdi.org
The Center for Defense Information (CDI) offers paid internships for Research, Television, and Computer Interns.  Research areas include Military Policy, Russian Studies, Asian Studies, Public Affairs, and many others.  More information can be found by contacting CDI at:
 
Internship Coordinator
Center for Defense Information
1779 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-2109
 
Phone: 202-332-0600
Fax:     202-462-4559
 
Center for Individual Rights- www.cir-usa.org
The Center for Individual Rights (CIR) is a public interest legal organization that specializes in litigating free speech and civil rights cases.  A limited number of internships and clerkships are offered.  
  
Center for Security Policy- www.security-policy.org 
The Center for Security Policy offers internships to college students, graduate students, and recent graduates, to assist with research, analysis, writing, and editing in order to prepare the Centers publications.  
 
Center for Strategic and International Studies- www.csis.org
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) offers internships to undergraduate students and recent graduates who are interested in public policy and foreign affairs.  
 
Claremont Institute  www.claremont.org 
The Claremont Institute accepts applications for a limited number of internships during the summer, as well as the school year.  For additional information, please visit their website:  http://www.claremont.org/page/fellowships
 
Competitive Enterprise Institute - www.cei.org
The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) offers internships to students to work on programs such as High Technology and The New Economy, Health and Safety Regulation, and Environmental Studies.  More information can be found at http://cei.org/internships.
 
Criminal Justice Legal Foundation- www.cjlf.org
The Criminal Justice Legal Foundation offers internship opportunities to students interested in criminal justice.  More information can be found at http://www.cjlf.org/jobs/employment.htm.
 
Federal Bureau of Investigation- http://www.fbi.gov 
The FBI Honors Internship Program is a paid internship opportunity that offers undergraduate and graduate school students throughout the nation, an exciting insider's view of FBI operations and provides an opportunity to explore the many career opportunities within the Bureau. The Honors Internship Program brings students to work at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., or select Field Office locations. FBI Honors Interns will spend 10 weeks working side-by-side with FBI employees on a whole array of organizational matters and in some instances cases.
 
The FBI Volunteer Internship Program is an unpaid internship opportunity that offers undergraduates, graduates or post-doctorate students throughout the country an exciting insider's view of FBI operations and an opportunity to explore career opportunities within the Bureau. The Volunteer Internship Program brings students to work at select Field Office locations and FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC.
 
For information on either program, see http://www.fbijobs.gov
 
Department of Justice- www.justice.gov
DOJ offers a variety of student programs such as the Attorney General's Honors Program, various Legal Intern Programs, the Student Temporary Employment Program, Student Career Experience Program, Presidential Management Fellows Program, Federal Career Intern Program, Workforce Recruitment Program, Student Volunteer Program, Outstanding Scholar appointments, and others. To learn more about each of these programs, go to http://www.justice.gov/careers
 
Department of Transportation- www.dot.gov
The Department of Transportation (DOT) offers internships to students in the General Counsel office, the FAA, the Federal Highway administration, and Research and Special Programs administration.
 
Department of the Treasury- www.treasury.gov
The Department of the Treasury offers a variety of internship opportunities. More information about these programs can be found at: https://home.treasury.gov/about/careers-at-treasury/studentinternship-programs
 
Eagle Forum- www.eagleforum.org
Eagle Forum Collegians is comprised of college students dedicated to promoting conservatism on college campuses by hosting knowledgeable speakers and authors, writing for campus newspapers, promoting and campaigning for local conservative candidates, speaking up in class, and participating in or starting conservative clubs on campus.  
 
Ethics and Public Policy- www.eppc.org
The Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC) offers internships in programs such as Evangelical Studies, Christianity and Third World Democratization, and Biotechnology.  http://www.eppc.org/about/internships//about/internships/
 
Family Research Council (FRC)-  www.frc.org
The Family Research Councils internship program is designed to prepare students who are passionate about public service; students who want to make a difference. FRC believes that the Judeo-Christian worldview is foundational to a just, free and stable society. The internship involves education, researching, and administrative work. See http://www.frc.org/internships for more information.
 
FreedomWorks   www.freedomworks.org
As an intern for FreedomWorks, you may have the opportunity to monitor hearings and press conferences on Capitol Hill and at the White House. You may also attend conferences and seminars, conduct research on economic policy topics, assist with grassroots events and mobilization efforts, assist with various publications, in addition to providing general office support to the staff. FreedomWorks provides internship opportunities for students interested in Federal Campaigns Operations, Public Affairs, Economic Research, Public Policy, Development/Fundraising, and related Graphic Design/Web Development. If you have a strong interest in and commitment to free market ideas and public policy, consider applying for the internship at http://www.freedomworks.org/about/internships.
 
The Fund for American Studies- www.tfas.org
The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) sponsors several institutions both in the United States and abroad.  Among the institutes in the United States are the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems, the Institute on Political Journalism, the Bryce Harlow Institute on Business and Government Affairs, and the Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service.  More information on these institutes can be found at www.dcinternships.org.
 
International institutes include the American Institute on Political and Economic Systems, Prague, the International Institute of Political and Economic studies, Greece, and the Asia Institute for Political Economy.  More information on these institutes can be found at www.tfasinternational.org. 
 
The Goldwater Institute-  www.goldwaterinstitute.org
The Goldwater Institute is a Phoenix-based public policy research institute dedicated to the promotion of free-market ideals.  Each year the Institute offers college students and recent graduates the opportunity to participate in the Ronald Reagan Fellows Internship Program.  Through policy research, staff mentoring, seminar attendance, event participation and administrative assistance, Ronald Reagan Fellows gain a foundational understanding of the classical liberal principles that shaped Reagan's presidency.
Fellows are selected on a rolling basis each fall, spring and summer semester for full-time participation in the program. A minimum of 24 hours per week is considered full-time; part-time applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The program offers a modest stipend.  More information on the program can be found on the Institutes website, at https://goldwaterinstitute.org/clerkandintern/.

Government Accountability Project- www.whistleblower.org
The Government Accountability Project (GAP) was founded to protect whistleblowers who could not otherwise find representation from attorneys and public interest organizations.  GAP has offered internship in the past to law, pre-law, and public policy students.  
 
Heritage Foundation- www.heritage.org
The Heritage Foundation is offering a paid Career Track Internship for students of the social sciences.  More information can be found at https://www.heritage.org/young-leaders-program
 
Hudson Institute- www.hudson.org
The Hudson Institute offers internships in fields such as economics, foreign affairs, science and technology, and health and urban affairs.  
 
The Independent Institute- www.independent.org
The Independent Institute offers a number of fellowships, seminars, and paid internship programs for students related to the free market. Particular internships are offered in Acquisitions, Communications, Donor Relations, Marketing, and Publications.  More information can be found athttp://www.independent.org/students/internships/.
 
Institute for Humane Studies- www.theihs.org
 The Institute for Humane Studies offers numerous public policy internships. Check out their website for information on internships, fellowships and scholarships, as well as seminars.
 
Institute for Justice- www.ij.org
The Institute for Justice (IJ) is a public interest legal organization dedicated to defending civil liberties, economic freedom, and free speech against encroachment by the government.  IJ offers a number of clerkships and internships for both undergraduate and law students, as well as hosting a law student conference each summer.  More information can be found at http://www.ij.org/opportunities/careers/
 
Intercollegiate Studies Institute- www.isi.org
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) offers a number of lectures, conferences, and fellowships for students.  
 
Internal Revenue Service- www.irs.gov
Law school students and graduates interested in tax law can apply for IRS summer clerkships or for employment through the Honors Program.  
 
Internships USA - www.internships-usa.com
 Internships-USA offers listings of thousands of internships for undergraduate and law students.  Although it is a subscription service, it is advertised as having been subscribed to by over 40 law schools, so be sure to check with your career services office.
 
A fellowship devoted to the application of free market approaches to solve environmental problems.  
 
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung- www.kas.de
The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung  (Konrad Adenauer Foundation) offers support to foreigners who wish to study in Germany either to complete their university education, obtain a doctorate, or deepen their subject expertise.  Knowledge of German is required.  More information can be found on their website (www.kas.de) or by contacting the US office of the KAS at:
 
Konrad Adenauer Foundation
2005 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202-986-9460
Fax: 202-986-9458
 
Leadership Institute- www.leadershipinstitute.org
Leadership Institute (LI) interns have the opportunity to work with LI and develop themselves philosophically and professionally.  Interns have many opportunities to meet with conservative leaders and attend LIs many training schools.  More information can be found at https://www.leadershipinstitute.org/career/#internProgram.
 
Ludwig von Mises Institute- www.mises.org
The Ludwig von Mises Institute offers a number of fellowships for undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors who are interested in the study of Austrian economics and classical liberalism.  The Institute also hosts numerous conferences throughout the year.  
 
Manhattan Institute- www.manhattan-institute.org
The Manhattan Institute, which pursues greater economic choice and individual responsibility, offers internships to conservative students, who will be exposed to the Institutes current work, as well as working with scholars on specific projects.  More information can be found at http://manhattan-institute.org/collegiate-associates-program 
 
National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA)   www.ncpa.org                         
The National Center for Policy Analysis, a Dallas-based public policy research institute, seeks applicants for its public policy internship program.  Internships are available during the fall, summer and spring for undergraduate and graduate students; though post-graduates are also encouraged to apply.  Internship positions are located in NCPAs Dallas headquarters.  You can visit their website for more information: http://www.ncpa.org/internships-and-rotations
 
 National Center for Public Policy Research- www.nationalcenter.org 
 The National Center for Public Policy is a conservative communications and research foundation whose goal is to provide free market solutions to public policy questions.  
  
National Defense Council Foundation- www.ndcf.org
The National Defense Council Foundation (NDCF) is a nonprofit organization specializing in American defense and foreign policy, particularly low-intensity conflict, the drug war, and energy problems.  Internships are available to undergraduate and graduate students.  
   
National Legal Center for the Public Interest- www.nlcpi.org
The National Legal Center for the Public Interest offers internships to students of government and law who are interested in public policy.  More information can be found at http://www.nlcpi.org/intern.htm or by contacting the Center at:
  
National Right to Life- www.nrlc.org
The National Right to Life internship program provides college students from around the country to opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the pro-life movement at the national level.  Every summer 10 interns are selected to serve in one of NRLCs 14 departments.  
 
National Taxpayers Union- www.ntu.org
Interns at the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) spend much of their time as policy analysts and doing research for the NTU Foundation.  More information can be found at http://ntu.org/about/page/career-and-internship-opportunities
  
Pacific Justice Institute- www.pacificjustice.org
The Pacific Justice Institute specializes in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and civil liberties, and offers internships to law school students and recent graduates.  More information can be found at http://www.pacificjustice.org/support/internships/
  
Pacific Legal Foundation- www.pacificlegal.org
The Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) offers law clerkships to law students interested in working to support private property rights, limited government, and the free enterprise system.  More information can be found at http://www.pacificlegal.org/careers/.
 
Property and Environment Research Center - www.perc.org
PERC offers a weeklong seminar in the summer, at which students focus on market approaches to natural resources and environmental issues. PERC also offers a fellowship to graduate and law students with an interest in natural resources and the environment.  
  
Rutherford Institute- www.rutherford.org
 The Rutherford Institute offers a summer internship program for law students interested in religious liberty.  More information can be found at https://www.rutherford.org/internships
  
Securities and Exchange Commission- www.sec.gov
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) offers a Law Student Observer Program for interested law students who wish to gain experience learning about the workings of the SEC and securities regulation. The SEC also offers a Summer Honors Program for law students interested in learning about the SECs work. More information can be found at http://www.sec.gov/file/jobsdescriptions-summer-legal-internships

Texas Public Policy Foundation- www.texaspolicy.com
The Foundations mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation by educating and affecting policymakers and the Texas public policy debate with academically sound research and outreach. For information about internships with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, go to: https://www.texaspolicy.com/about/careers/internship-program/.
  
USAJobs is a searchable job bank run by the federal governments Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
 
Washington Internship Institute   www.wiidc.org
The Washington Internship Institute offers Capital Experience and Embassy and diplomatic Scholars internship programs.  The Capital Experience offers students the opportunity to intern in Washington, CD in many different organizations.  The Embassy and diplomatic Scholars Programs allows students to intern in various foreign embassies, international NGOs, the State Department, and other international organizations the Washington, DC area.  More information can be found at http://wiidc.org/how-we-help-you-find-internships.
 
Washington Legal foundation- www.wlf.org
 The Washington Legal Foundation (WFL) offers internships to students interested in the free market and limited government through its Youth Education Program and Legal Academic Fellowship Program.  More information can be found at http://www.wlf.org/jobs
 
Young Americas Foundation- www.yaf.org
Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) is the nations oldest conservative youth organization, founded in 1960.  Internships are awarded preferentially to undergraduates or recent graduates, who will coordinate with staff members to meet YAF chapter goals, handle correspondence with conservative activists around the country, develop media packets, as well as various office work.  More information can be found at http://www.yaf.org/opportunities/
 
  
INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE LOCALLY
 
I. U.S. Government Internships
 
A. U.S. Senate
  1.  Ted Cruz, (R, TX) Students enrolled in an undergraduate program may apply for an unpaid internship in Senator Cruz's D.C. office as well as in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Senator Cruz's internship program offers Texas students a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the inner workings of Congress. There are two six-week sessions during the summer as well as full-semester internships in both the spring and fall.
  2. John Cornyn, (R, TX) Students enrolled in an undergraduate program may apply for an unpaid internship in Senator Cornyn's D.C. office as well as in his seven district offices located in Austin, Dallas, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Tyler.  Washington D.C. interns are expected to work 40 hours per week during the summer sessions, and thirty during spring and fall.  State office hours are scheduled according to academic availability.  
 B. U.S.  House of Representatives
 For specific information on the individual members, and for employment opportunities, check out:  http://www.house.gov/educators-and-students/college-internships 
  
  II. State Government Internships
 
A. Texas State Senate
For specific information on the individual members, and for employment opportunities, check out  http://www.senate.texas.gov/members.php
 

B. Texas State House of Representatives
 For information of individual members, and for employment opportunities, visit http://www.house.texas.gov/members/


III.  Local Government Internships
 

A. City of Dallas Mayors Internship Program
The Dallas Mayors Office is seeking motivated, mature students with good judgment skills, spirit, imagination, energy and a commitment to excellence.  The internship will help; build the foundation for careers as elected officials, political science researchers, public administrators, journalists and other related fields.  This is a relatively new, highly competitive program that receives dozens of applicants for a limited number of internships.  For more information, and for an application, go to http://www.dallascityhall.com/departments/public-affairs-outreach/Pages/intern-program.aspx. 

B. City Manager's Office Internships
These internships are available in various cities around DFW, including Grand Praire, Southlake, Addison, and others. Students are advised to visit individual city webpages to find more information, but two helpful resources include the Job Listing page on UMANT (Urban Management Assistants of North Texas) and the website www.governmentjobs.com. At least some offer a salary: the Grand Prairie City Manager's office, for example, offers a paid internship for however long the student prefers   

 

IV. DFW-based Public Interest Groups:

A. National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA)-  www.ncpa.org
 The National Center for Policy Analysis, a Dallas-based public policy research institute, seeks applicants for its public policy internship program.  Internships are available during the fall, summer and spring for undergraduate and graduate students; though post-graduates are also encouraged to apply.  Internship positions are located in NCPAs Dallas headquarters.  If you have questions or need additional information, please visit their website for more information: https://ncpa.org/internships-and-rotations

Keep Exploring

Discover the University of DallasCost and AidCore Curriculum