Awards

• Runner-up for IndieFab awards (Political Science) 2006

Overview

The past few decades have brought a shift in the nature of American democracy, an alarming shift that threatens such liberal democratic values as respect for pluralism, acceptance of the separation of powers, and recognition of the rights of opposition parties. In this insightful book, political scientist Alan Wolfe identifies the current political conditions that endanger the quality of our democracy. He describes how politics has changed, and he calls for a democracy protection movement designed to preserve our political traditions not unlike the environmental protection movement's efforts to safeguard the natural world. Voters who know little about issues, leaders who bend rules with little fear of reprisal, and political parties that are losing the ability to mobilize citizens have all contributed to a worrisome new politics of democracy, Wolfe argues. He offers a brilliant analysis of how religion and morality have replaced political and economic self-interest as guiding principles, and how a dangerous populism promotes a radical form of elitism. Without laying blame on one party or ideology and without claiming that matters will improve with one party or the other in office, Wolfe instead suggests that Americans need to understand the danger their own indifference poses and take political matters more seriously.

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Reviews

Alan Wolfe, a committed democrat, with a small 'd, ' has written a searing account of the state of American democracy. The growth of cultural populist politics and growing partisan polarization and unity has created an unaccountable government. He brings home the stakes in our elections; not just which party governs but whether we revive our liberal democracy. --U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro--Rosa L. DeLauro

Alan Wolfe, a committed democrat, with a small 'd,' has written a searing account of the state of American democracy. The growth of cultural populist politics and growing partisan polarization and unity has created an unaccountable government. He brings home the stakes in our elections; not just which party governs but whether we revive our liberal democracy. -U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro -- Rosa L. DeLauro

Alan Wolfe argues that while the extent of American democracy has increased greatly, its quality has declined notably in recent decades. His book, Does American Democracy Still Work? , will be widely read, ardently debated, and highly influential. --Martin Shefter, Cornell University<br><br>--Martin Shefter

Author Information

Alan Wolfe is professor of political science and director of the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life, Boston College. He is author of more than fifteen books and is a contributing editor of The New Republic and The Wilson Quarterly.

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