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Full Product Details

Author:   Stephen K. Medvic
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Dimensions:   Width: 13.80cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 21.60cm
Weight:   0.272kg
ISBN:  

9780415880459

ISBN 10:   0415880459
Pages:   202
Publication Date:   17 December 2012
Audience:   College/higher education ,  General/trade ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Preface. 1 – The Problem. 2 – The Sources of Anti-Politician Sentiment. 3 – The Public Lives of Politicians: Do Politicians Pander? 4 – The Public Lives of Politicians: Election (or Ideology, or Party) Above All Else? 5 – The 2011 Debt Ceiling Debate: A Case Study.6 – The Private Lives of Politicians: Ambition and Hypocrisy. 7 – The Private Lives of Politicians: Dishonesty. 8 – Rebuilding Trust in Politicians.

Reviews

<p> Stephen Medvic asks an important question: Can a democracy thrive (or even survive) if the citizenry is disdainful of elected politicians? He and I agree with Ben Franklin, that the health of a democracy depends as much on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as [on] the wisdom and integrity of its Governors. In this provocative book, Medvic examines why Americans are cynical about those whom they elect and suggests cures for this malady facing our polity. <p> <p> Sandy Maisel, Colby College <p> Politicians are at the center of American democracy, but their lives are not simple. Medvic provides an excellent review of the many contradictory expectations imposed on them. Should they lead or respond? Should they be typical or more accomplished? Should they be principled or pragmatic? He then provides insightful examples of how these conflicting expectations play out within a system of government that seeks to limit power. This book is invaluable for those trying to understand the behavior of American politicians. <p> Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Syracuse University

Stephen Medvic asks an important question: Can a democracy thrive (or even survive) if the citizenry is disdainful of elected politicians? He-and I-agree with Ben Franklin, that the health of a democracy depends as much on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as [on] the wisdom and integrity of its Governors. In this provocative book, Medvic examines why Americans are cynical about those whom they elect and suggests cures for this malady facing our polity. -Sandy Maisel, Colby College Politicians are at the center of American democracy, but their lives are not simple. Medvic provides an excellent review of the many contradictory expectations imposed on them. Should they lead or respond? Should they be typical or more accomplished? Should they be principled or pragmatic? He then provides insightful examples of how these conflicting expectations play out within a system of government that seeks to limit power. This book is invaluable for those trying to understand the behavior of American politicians. -Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Syracuse University Stephen Medvic's engaging defense of politicians argues convincingly that current political dysfunction is far more a consequence of the public's contradictory preferences, expectations, and choices, and of our cherished constitutional system, than of the leaders we elect to represent and govern us. The more widely recognized this reality, the better. -Gary C. Jacobson, UC San Diego This is a very accessible book that makes a compelling and timely statement about the state of our politics and what we should do about it. I can't help but think that every undergraduate in America would be well-served to read it, and have the opportunity to debate the arguments within it. -Quentin Kidd, Christopher Newport University

Stephen Medvic asks an important question: Can a democracy thrive (or even survive) if athe citizenry is disdainful of elected politicians? He-and I-agree with Ben Franklin, that the health of a democracy depends as much on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as [on] the wisdom and integrity of its Governors. In this provocative book, Medvic examines why Americans are cynical about those whom they elect and suggests cures for this malady facing our polity. -Sandy Maisel, Colby College Politicians are at the center of American democracy, but their lives are not simple.aMedvic provides an excellent review of the many contradictory expectations imposed on them. Should they lead or respond? Should they be typical or more accomplished? Should they be principled or pragmatic? He then provides insightful examples of how theseaconflicting expectations play out within a system of government that seeks to limit power. This book is invaluable for those trying to understand the behavior of American politicians. -Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Syracuse University

Author Information

Stephen K. Medvic is Associate Professor of Government at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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