The Alabama Political Science Association (AlaPSA) is a nonprofit organization of political scientists and other persons interested in the study of government and politics. Currently, the association has 70 enrolled, or dues-paying, members; about 100 persons attend the association's annual conference. Most are political science faculty from Alabama colleges and universities, with other participants including retired educators, students, interested citizens, and institutional members. It is governed by a nine-person executive council elected by members of the association and led by a president and other officers. AlaPSA has, at various times in the past, published a newsletter, maintained a directory, presented awards to student participants, and helped subsidize a regional journal.
Many individuals contributed to AlaPSA during its formative years. The organization increased its membership and activities and the annual conference was expanded to a two-day event with a specific focus for each year. Topics of focus have included The State of Women and Politics in Alabama and "Race, Politics, and Economics in Society." Attendees present papers and participate in panel discussions about local, state, regional, national, and international government and politics. Typically, a special panel provides an overview of contemporary Alabama politics and elections and a featured guest delivers a keynote speech at an evening dinner. A business session concludes the conference. By design, the association aims to merge political science and contemporary political issues into its program. Most of the presentations are scholarly, but since the conference's beginnings, the agenda has included appearances by civic leaders, journalists, public officials, and political party leaders. By informal practice, the group makes an effort to meet at the University of Alabama or Auburn University every few years and also attempts to maintain geographical balance in its meeting sites.
As stated in AlaPSA's constitution, the association aims to encourage scientific investigation and research in the field of government, politics, and administration, with special focus on state and local issues in Alabama and to promote understanding of and improve instruction in political science and public administration. It also aims to develop collegial relations and cooperation among political scientists in Alabama and reach out to other political scientists in the region. Furthermore, AlaPSA works to establish and improve relations between political scientists and public officials, facilitate a greater understanding of government and politics at all educational levels, and uphold ethical standards and foster competence. The association does not take official stands on public policy issues, nor does it assume a partisan view regarding any question of practical politics or commit its members to any partisan political opinion.
