The Democratic Debate: An Introduction to American Politics

by Bruce Miroff

The Democratic Debate examines the struggle between the elite and popular models of democracy which, the authors argue, have alternated as the dominant vision in America since its founding. The text uses the standard of popular democracy to examine the United States from anti-federalism to contemporary social movements. Special attention is given to people, famous and otherwise, whose actions demonstrate how individuals can make a difference in democracy. Thorough coverage of recent events includes a discussion of Enron and issues of corporate responsibility, the evolution of the Christian Right into a mass movement, the protests against the War in Iraq, and the Terry Schiavo case as it relates to Federalism.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Academic

688 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Rajesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely recommend! Read this along with A History of Culture Wars to be solid. Finally got a jist of the electoral college, thank goodness!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were looking for an American Politics textbook that I most agreed with, this would probably be it. The authors argue for more popular democracy and critique a number of institutions (political, social, and economic) that result in decreased democracy and control for everyday people and increased, unchecked rule by elites. And so, on a personal level, I think this is a fantastic book.

As a teacher, I am not sure that I would want to use this book. Because it is so critical, and because students have been so thoroughly socialized to expect "fair and balanced" information (even when one side's arguments are often not supported by evidence and rest on dubious assumptions), I would imagine that this book would turn many students off--making it more difficult to get them to engage in the critical thinking about the AP system.

It seems to me that a more middle-left textbook is a better solution, as it would frame issues in terms of justice, fairness, and citizen empowerment with out the potential for defensive reactions this book seems to pose.

However, the companion book, Debating Democracy, seems very useful in conjunction with a center-left book for providing opportunities for critique.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes. It's a textbook. lol Keep in mind that I'm a person who cannot seem to make it through any book that is a history book. This book is WONDERFUL. I actually have an earlier edition - I even opted to keep it rather than sell it back to the bookstore if that says anything.

[Chanell Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring as hell, not cohesive at all and the timeline is all out of order.