American Democracy in Peril: Eight Challenges to America's Future: Eight Challenges to America′s Future

by William E. Hudson

Most would agree that American democracy thrives when citizens are informed and responsive. So how best to teach today’s students not only how government works, but also why it works―and maybe, more importantly, why it doesn’t always work? Hudson provides the perfect supplement for those who want to elicit a more critical look at the functioning of our political system. He outlines eight major challenges facing America as a new president takes office, ranging from the strength of the judiciary to the trade-offs between national security and personal privacy. Challenging students to respond robustly to these challenges, he also offers possible solutions to each. The end result is to provide a sound conceptual framework for evaluating the American political system―one that stimulates analytical thinking and discussion. Timely updates examine elections and voting―specifically primaries and how they work, "machine" politics, and voting restrictions― and the national security state, with a focus on the Bush administration’s expansion of presidential power, as well as questions of spreading democracy abroad and the rationale for international intervention.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

341 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, William Hudson himself is a challenge to his readers. In every one of the challenges he puts to American democracy, he raises good questions, but ultimately, I believe, takes a too-narrow view of what constitutes a democracy. His arguments can be frustrating at times, but he does point out important issues that American society ought to address.

[Marley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some chapters blew my mind, some bogged on forever. Either way worth a read

[Anthony Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson's work, American Democracy in Peril offers an intriguing examination of 8 challenges to democracy in America. These challenges are:

1. Separation of powers
2. The imperial judiciary
3. Radical individualism
4. Citizen participation
5. Elections without the People's voice
6. The privilege position of business
7. Economic inequality
8. The national security state

The book does take a particular position, so you can say it is biased, but then again the author is up front that he is stating his views rather than merely offering a survey. I found his narrative interesting and wasn't always satisfied with either his criticism of opposing views, nor with some of his solutions. But, he does get you thinking. To supplement your thinking he offers a series of thought questions and suggestion for further reading where he indicates which resources agrees with his position, and which ones do not.

All in all I think this is a good book, offering interesting and challenging ideas, but I would also recommend reading this resource along with a few others that offer differing views to get a broader perspective.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A study of democracy today which will have you thinking - Just what has happened to our country. A must read for any citizen, no matter what your political leanings.

[Nicholas T-R IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a text book, but an essential read for every American citizen.