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Full Description
Many experts have observed a world-wide trend toward 'democratic deconsolidation,' reflected in America through declining trust in government at all levels and the rise of authoritarian thinking. The trend is rooted in extreme partisan polarization, which serves as fertile soil for the rise of anti-democratic movements and tendencies. This book aims to combat that disturbing trajectory, offering readers the tools to engage in and aspire toward a more responsive and accountable democracy. Its 46 brief and accessible articles outline a number of institutional, structural, process-oriented, and policy-related challenges to American democracy. In most cases, specific proposals for reform are discussed, encouraging the reader to think about how to make tangible progress towards a 'more perfect Union.'
Contents
PrefacePart I: Democratic Deconsolidation and American Democracy
Is American Democracy at Death's Door?
Strong Institutions
Shared Stories
Progress is Progressive
But, it's a "Republic'' is No Excuse for Anti-Democratic Action and Illiberal Resistance
A Word About Mechanisms of Reform-Constitutional Amendments v. Other Options
Part II: America's Democratic Aspirations Under Stress
1. Still Believe in the American Dream?
2. Voting Rights-The Fundamental Basis of Our Democracy--Are Under Siege
3. Confirmation Bias Hurts Our Democracy
4. Facts Matter, But Do They Speak for Themselves?
5. Incivility in American Politics
6. America's Ideological Polarization Affects More Than Our Politics
7. Changes in Trust Hurting Democracy
8. Truth in Politics Can Be Rare, But Critical to Democracy
9. Getting Along in an Era of Negative Partisanship
10. The Fallacy of Absolute Freedom
11. Taking Stock of the Power of the People
Part III: Reforming Institutions
12. Looking at the Health of our Two-Party System
13. Reform or Eliminate the Electoral College
14. Gap in What Voters Want and What Politicians Do
15. American Federalism-Blessing and Curse
16. The People's House is Too Small
17. Let's Consider Pros and Cons of Congressional Term Limits
18. Is American Democracy is Being Filibustered to Death?
19. Should We Reform the Senate to Make Congress More Responsive to the People?
20. Passing on the Power of Appointments: Reforming the Broken Administrative Appointment-Confirmation Process
21. Executive Clemency Part of Justice Reform
22. The (Un)Supreme Court: Time to Reform?
23. Bureaucracy Has Vital Constitutive Role in American Democracy; Citizens Can Help Shape Its Power
24. Weakened Government is the Problem
25. Local Government in the Twilight Zone
Part IV: Reforming Democratic Processes and Procedures
26. Protests Are Necessary, but Insufficient, for Lasting Political Change
27. Should We Consider Mandatory Voting?
28. All Hail the Faithless Elector(s) from Texas! (Well, Maybe Not)
29. Improving the Presidential Nominating Process
30. Both Parties Should Embrace Changes to the Presidential Primary Schedule
31. How a Close Presidential Election Could Trigger a Constitutional Crisis
32. Fix Partisan Gerrymandering to Reduce Gridlock and Extremism
33. Freedom Caucus Shows Corrosive Effects of Gerrymandering
34. Direct Democracy Has Its Challenges, But Remains a Key Mechanism for Change
35. If Corporations Are People, Tell Us Who They Are
36. Government Nudges Influence Conduct, So Should They Be Used More Often?
37. Lawmakers Stoke Distrust to Justify Voting Restrictions
38. Overcoming 'Political Hobbyism' Through Activism
Part V: How America Survives: Reflection, Action, and Reform
39. Good Citizenship-What Does it Mean to You?
40. Can America's Center Be Rebuilt?
41. Independents and the Value of Political Talk
42. To Strengthen Democracy, Start Small, Think Big
43. Does Our Democracy Measure Up?
44. Can We Americans Overcome Ourselves?
45. We the People: How America Survives
46. Being Gardeners of Our Communities
Conclusion: There is Work to Do-Together
