A Different Democracy: American Government in a 31-Country Perspective

by Steven L. Taylor, Matthew Soberg Shugart, Arend Lijphart

American democracy differs greatly from other democracies around the world. But is the American way more or less efficacious than comparable democracies in Asia, Latin America, or Europe? What if the United States had a prime minister instead of (or in addition to) a president, or if it had three or more parties in Congress instead of two? Would there be more partisan animosity and legislative gridlock or less? These are the kinds of questions that thinking about U.S. government in comparative perspective helps us to analyze.
 
This valuable contribution to political studies takes a unique approach to a much-studied subject, looking at the U.S. government from a comparative point of view. Four distinguished scholars in the field examine the Constitution, the two-party system, the division of power between state and federal governments, and other major features of the American political system in terms of how they differ from other democracies, and they explore what those differences ultimately mean for democratic performance. By merging two important fields of study, American government and comparative political systems, this essential text offers a new and refreshingly insightful view of American exceptionalism.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Political Science, Science

392 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2014

About the author

I am Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Political Science at Troy University (in Alabama).

Reviews

[Kinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a graduate student. I think this book does a great job at looking at the US democracy in comparison with other democracies. It’s hard to study a country’s government without comparing it to something and this book does just that. While I do think it is a more easy read for someone studying the subject, it is an interesting one. I’ve recommended this book to anyone interested in US government and it also serves as a great introduction to studying United States politics.

[James Maher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative! But also easy to digest. This is literally the first book I have read for enjoyment in like 5 years and I had no issues getting bored with it or anything. Lots of great visualizations and the authors insert almost none of their own opinions beyond maybe a joke or two. I found the comparisons fascinating.

[Humza Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that explains the groundwork for American democracy. It goes deep but not for long stretches of time. It was interesting reading how other democracies compare to ours.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in how governments work.

[Bill Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forced read for school.

[Kathy West · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea