<p>wareblersrule, Duke is amazing in Political Science. I would cetainly have recommended it. But the OP asked for schools within a 9 hour drive from Ohio. Duke is more like 13 hours.</p>
<p>Yes, and I wouldn't have suggested it. However, the OP specifically mentioned Duke and expressed concern about the class sizes there. :)</p>
<p>I agree, the OP's concerns are probably fueled by myths of research universities. Most top universities will not have more than 40 or 50 students in intermediate and advanced classes. In fact, at most elite universities, classes seldom have more than 30 students at the advanced level and more than 40 students at the intermediate level.</p>
<p>Look at Kenyon. It fits your criteria, is excellent in political science, and the cap size for an intro economics class is 30, with higher level courses even smaller.</p>