The Democratic Process

by Mark Friedman

The United States is a republic defined by a set of rules written more than two centuries ago! Even before the first glorious ring of the Liberty Bell, America was a land of freedom and promise. The Cornerstones of Freedom series explores what inspires people from all over the world to start life anew here, endure the economic and social upheavals, and defend the land and rights that are unique to the United States of America. Although some of the rules have changed, the basic plan for our democratic process remains intact. This book examines the system for our representative democracy that was conceived at the Constitutional Convention and was born with the ratification of the Constitution. It also illustrates the many challenges a republic faces and how the United States has faced those challenges throughout history.

64 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

After teaching high school math for one year, Mark Friedman served for 19 years in the Maryland Department of Human Resources, including six years as the department's Chief Financial Officer. In 1991 he joined the Center for the Study of Social Policy in Washington, D.C. where his work focused on helping state and local governments finance innovative child and family services. In 1996, he founded the Fiscal Policy Studies Institute (FPSI) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since 1996, he has provided training at the federal, state, county, city, school district and community levels.

Friedman's work has involved nearly every kind of government and non-profit organization from social services, health and education to transportation, environment and many more. His widely acclaimed methods have been used in over 40 states and seven countries outside the United States.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Timely volume, as this is an election year. Liberal bias evident. Choppy presentation. The text provides basic information but is interrupted by the layout and sidebars, which disrupt the flow of the body of the work. Links to influential documents (such as the Magna Carta, Bill of Rights, and the Patriot Act) are provided. Perhaps this list should also have included the Articles of Confederation (which is mentioned in a glossed-over fashion).