The Democratic Wish: Popular Participation and the Limits of American Government

by James A. Morone

This prize-winning book reinterprets more than 200 years of American political history as the interplay between the public’s dread of government power and its yearning for communal democracy. James Morone argues that Americans will never solve their collective problems as long as they instinctively fear all public power as a threat to liberty. This revised edition includes a new final chapter about contemporary populism, government bashing, and democratic wishes.

 

Winner of the 1991 Gladys M. Kammerer Award

 

“The Democratic Wish merits the highest compliments one can accord a public policy book. It spotlights a problem that can no longer be evaded. And it makes you think.”—Alan Tonelson, New York Times Book Review

 

“Morone writes with flair and passion. The fact that he puts forth a provocative argument and provides concise histories of labor, civil rights, and health care politics makes this book especially useful for teaching American politics.”—R. Shep Melnick, Journal of Interdisciplinary History

 

“Morone’s contribution to our understanding of state building . . . is substantial and profound.”—John S. Dryzek, American Political Science Review

 

“This stimulating reinterpretation of American political history will interest both scholars concerned about the past and citizens concerned about the future.”—Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.

 

“This is a persuasive, illuminating study in American political ideas and the disappointments of reform.”—Dean McSweeney, American Politics Review

 

 

 

Genres: History, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1990

Reviews

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author posits there are recurring issues in American history. Essentially he is saying there are cycles in American history. In different eras there was a demand for more regulation of certain aspects of the economy and/or society followed by a demand for more participation in government and thus less regulation followed in turn by a demand for more regulation.

[Marion Kipiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Democratic Wish is an excellent book for those wanting to understand the historical-ideological roots of the U.S. system of government. Morone superbly traces how the peculiarities of this system have played out across historical periods and major issue areas.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The degree to which US government is participative has changed from more participative to less participative and back again many times in US history. Morone traces the history of participative democracy as a series of political movements occurring in various times in US history where decision-making and policy development were pushed down to the people instead of the government. When describing the history of the successive movements, Morone discusses the lessons learned and changes made. According to Morone, the people have not yet maintained a true participative government because corruption and competing interests continually absorb the movement.

The movements Morone described began in similar ways—the current government would reach an impasse and struggle to create policy and progress. Upon realizing the ineffectiveness of government, communities of like-minded citizens would bind together under a common cause and advocate for government or social change. For example, in the Jackson presidency, Jackson himself imposed term limits in the Congress and resisted replacing federal employees with party loyalists and friends, which was a common practice at the time. The term limits, in particular, were a progressive idea that is still in place in modern US government. According to Morone, the rotation of delegates resembles the progressive idea of seeking expert input to achieve effective public policy.

It's a heavy book, but very informative. If you have a serious interest in understanding progressive government, it's a must-read.

[Brittany Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally changed my life. I was reading this book when I decided to be a political scientist. It kicked of my love affair with political theory. Morone's retelling of every major social change in American history is both compelling and thought provoking. Portions can be heavy and difficult to wade through, but the journey is totaly worth it for the moments with Morone brings everything together and presents a succinct beautiful picture of America's terrible desire for elusive democracy. Try it, you'll love it.

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morone's first book is a bit more serious than his second (Hellfire Nation), but it still raises and answers some great questions. Yet this book can drag, if you are not committed to the topic or remotely interested in politics.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the worst books I have ever read. I needed an editor worse than Tolstoy...