Political parties and party platforms Books

Book SynopsisA unique ethnographic study of Party political activismExploring how Conservative Party activists who had opposed devolution and the movement for a Scottish Parliament during the 1990s attempted to mobilise politically following their annihilation at the 1997 General Election.Trade Review... Smith's work demonstrates the continued importance of social class in Scottish politics.This excellent book will be of significance for students of citizenship, nationhood and how constructed identities sit alongside the political processes of parties and activists. -- .Table of Contents1. Banal activism2. A Tory Free Scotland3. Dispelling Doonhamers: naming and the numbers game4. Making (a) Difference: building the political machine5. The Politics of Irrelevance6.Disaggregating the Secret Ballot: electioneering and the politics of self-knowledge7. Counting on Failure: Polling Day and its aftermath8. Return of the lesser-spotted Tory

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book focuses on Britain's international policy when the country was retreating from a world role to a European focus. It includes coverage of the Vietnam War, East-West détente and the Middle East conflict.Table of Contents1 Policy-makers and policy-making2 Economics, defence and the withdrawal from East of Suez3 South and East Asia 4 The Middle East and Mediterranean5 The Atlantic Alliance and Détente6 The European Economic Community7 Southern Africa 8 The Nigerian civil warConclusionSelect bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn analysis of Britain's domestic policy during Harold Wilson’s tenure as Prime Minister.Table of ContentsIntroduction – Cultural and political change in 1960s Britain1. Labour’s organisational culture2. Responding to ‘affluence’3. Reconciling the classes4. Appealing to women5. ‘Integration’ and black immigration6. ‘Responsibility’ and the young7. Engaging with ‘participation’Conclusion The 1970 general electionBibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores the ways in which civil and uncivil groups in Northern Ireland use the Internet during a period of conflict transformation, with a particular emphasis on their framing of their positions in respect of the acceptability of political violence and their attitudes to the peace process. -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction1. The Internet, Politics, and Framing Conflict2. The Peace Frame? Comparing the websites of Northern Irish political fronts and political parties3. Terrorist Superfans? Loyalist and Republican solidarity actors online4. Googling Terrorism: How visible are Northern Irish terrorists on the Internet?5. Competing Victimhoods? The websites of Northern Irish residents’ groupsConclusionBibliographyAppendix 1 Selected Chronology of the Northern Irish Peace Process 1985-1997Appendix 2 Websites no longer available in November 2009Appendix 3 Website Registration Data for sites used in bookAppendix 4 Northern Irish Terrorist Groups currently proscribed in the United Kingdom.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplores why the Liberal Democrats continue to overwhelmingly return male MPs to Westminster.Trade ReviewElizabeth Evans' book is to be strongly welcomed as the first serious scholarly analysis of female under-representation in the Liberal Democrats. -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction1. Women's representation2. Liberal Democrats ideology and organisation3. Feminist presence on the Liberal Democrats4. Descriptive representation5. Substantive representation6. Symbolic representation7. ConclusionIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisExamines attempts by the Conservative party in the interwar years to capture the brains' of the new electorate and create a counter-culture to what they saw as the intellectual hegemony of the Left. -- .Trade Review‘…fascinating account of Bonar Law Memorial College, Ashridge…’Colin Kidd, London Review of Books, February 2016‘Berthezene’s ground-breaking scholarship valuably manages to open up various new avenues for exploring the intellectual history of the Conservative Party.’David Thackeray, University of Exeter, Twentieth Century British History, Vol 27, No. 1, 2016, pp. 144-169'In the hands of a lesser scholar, a history of Ashridge College could easily have been dry and uninspiring—particularly as some of the richer sources, such as the College’s course programs and lecture texts, no longer exist. Berthezène, however, deftly skirts these issues by integrating administrative records with published works and personal papers. The result is a book that both brings to life the history of an influential but forgotten institution, while simultaneously using Ashridge College as a vehicle to explore the political culture of the Conservative Party. Her decision to trace the history of the College across the pre and post-war periods is especially welcome in a historiography that all too often treats these two periods as discrete eras.' ' The result is a work that brings to life the creation of a particular and important mid-century Conservative mentalité and the way it was disseminated and contested within and without the Party.' ' the book should thus form essential reading for anyone interested in British political, intellectual, social and cultural history in the period. Strongly recommended.'Kit Kowol, Contemporary British History, Vol 30, 2016 ‘For those interested in this theme, Berthezène’s [new book] will be indispensable.’Andrew Gimson, Conservative Home, July 2016‘Historians of interwar Britain and the Conservatives owe an immense debt to... Clarisse Berthezène. [She is] able to bring key aspects of the new political history to bear on both the foreign policy of appeasement and the interwar Conservative hegemony. Never again can historians look at appeasement without considering gender, nor can they contemplate the interwar Conservative Party as one lacking a substantive intellectual tradition.’Matthew Hendley, SUNY Oneota, The Journal of British Studies, Vol 5, Issue 4, October 2016‘Extending the work of Phillip Williamson in recontextualizing Baldwin-era Conservatism, (Berthezène's) her new study provides a series of interesting chapters taking in the Tory view of history and the use of book clubs to capture the so-called ‘intelligent centre’ against the advance of Victor Gollancz and his Left Book Club. The former chapter in particular should be required reading for advanced undergraduate students wanting top marks for their historiography. (...) Berthezène successfully shows throughout how Ashridge sought to provide an intellectual spine to the leadership's work in this regard. (...) Berthezène has provided an interesting study that should find its way onto third-year undergraduate reading lists and thesis bibliographies alike. She charts the evolution of a particular organization which had wider ramifications for the ebb and flow of British politics. In doing so she has delivered a welcome service, for it is a fine work.’Richard Carr, The Journal of the Historical Association, Volume 101, Issue 348, December 2016, pp. 806–808‘Berthezène has provided an interesting study that should find its way onto third-year undergraduate reading lists and thesis bibliographies alike. She charts the evolution of a particular organization which had wider ramifications for the ebb and flow of British politics. In doing so she has delivered a welcome service, for it is a fine work.’‘This is an important and immensely stimulating book. It deserves to be widely read, not as the last word on a very complex subject, but as a launching-pad for much further research and discussion. Indeed, Dr Berthezène bids fair to join that distinguished band of French historians, from Taine and Tocqueville through to Boutmy and Halévy, who for nearly two centuries have taught British readers and citizens many facts and insights about ourselves that we do not learn from our native commentators.’ -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction1. The Conservatives' great fear2. Founding the Bonar Law Memorial College at Ashridge3. The Conservative party and the middle classes 4. Ashridge and the student community5. Redefining the principles of conservatism6. The Tory interpretation of History7. Educating for citizenship8. Fighting the ‘battle of the brows’9. Rural Elegies10. Ashridge and the media11. Ashridge after the war: the Baldwinians versus the ChurchilliansConclusionIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisA biography of a long-standing Liberal MP. As well as the revival of the Liberal Party and the formation of the Liberal Democrats, it examines his experiences as a Conscientious Objector in the Second World War; his work in the Methodist Church; his role in the resignation of Jeremy Thorpe and in the Lib-Lab Pact.Trade Review... Cole examines how Wainwright cultivated the local press and re-energised his constituency's Liberal clubs as part of his bid to enter parliament.The result is an occasionally curious but often revealing study of Liberal politics in the middle and late twentieth century.Biography of this high quality reminds us that it is often the middle-ranking political outsider, rather than the party big-wig in London that can provide the best insight into a grassroots organisation.Cole has written a gem of biography, exploring the forgotten nooks and crannies of a political figure who played a pivotal role in the survival and subsequent revival of the Liberal party in the North of England. -- .Table of ContentsIntroductionPart One: Before Parliament1. Early life 2. Cambridge3. Wainwright’s WarPart Two: Outside Parliamen4. Liberal Clubs5. Wainwright’s Faith6. The Press7. The Party in the countryPart Three: In Parliamen8. Colne Valley9. Campaigning 10. The LPP11. Wainwright & Thorpe12. The Lib-Lab Pact13. The Alliance14. Merger and the Liberal DemocratsConclusion BibliographyAppendices

Read more less

Book SynopsisAssesses how social democratic parties have responded, at the national as well as at the European Union level, to the 2008 financial crashTable of ContentsIntroductionDavid Bailey, Jean-Michel De Waele, Fabien Escalona and Mathieu VieiraPART I: The political economy of European social democracy under global economic crisis1. It does not happen here either: why social democrats fail in the context of the great financial crisis – Fabien Escalona and Mathieu Vieira2. Social democracy and social movements from crisis to crisis – George Ross3. Why the financial crisis has not generated a social democratic alternative in Europe? – Magnus Ryner4. Social democracy in the light of capitalist crises: the case of the British Labour – John CallaghanPART II: National responses to crisis5. Coping with TINA: the Labour Party and the new crisis of capitalism – Philippe Marlière6. Losing social democracy. Reflections on the erosion of a paradigmatic case of social democracy – Jenny Andersson7. German social democracy: a popular project and an unpopular party – Ingo Schmidt8. The French PS (2008-13). Not revolutionaries, not luminaries, just ‘normal’ guys amidst the tempest – Christophe Bouillaud9. Back to the drawing board. The PSOE after the 2011 general election – Paul Kennedy10. Trimph and collapse: the PASOK in the wake of the crisis in Greece (2009–13) – Dimitri A. SotiropoulosPART III: Towards a social democratic European Union?11. Limits of consensus? The Party of European Socialists and the financial crisis – Michael Holmes and Simon Lightfoot12. Palliating terminal social democratic decline at the EU-level? – David Bailey13. Reforming Europe, renewing social democracy? The PES, the debt crisis and the Europarties – Gerassimos MoschonasPostface: death by a thousand cuts? – Ashley LavelleIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisA unique ethnographic study of Party political activism exploring how Conservative Party activists who had opposed devolution and the movement for a Scottish Parliament during the 1990s attempted to mobilise politically following their annihilation at the 1997 General Election -- .Trade Review... Smith's work demonstrates the continued importance of social class in Scottish politics. -- .Table of Contents1. Banal activism2. A Tory free Scotland3. Dispelling Doonhamers: naming and the numbers game4. Making (a) difference: building the political machine5. The Politics of irrelevance6.Disaggregating the secret ballot: electioneering and the politics of self-knowledge7. Counting on failure: Polling Day and its aftermath8. Return of the lesser-spotted ToryIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith contributions from a range of distinguished Irish and British scholars, this collection of essays provides the first full treatment of the historical relationship between the Labour Party and Ireland in the last century, from Keir Hardie to Tony Blair.Trade Review‘Laurence Marley and the contributors have put together an excellent collection of well-edited and well-researched chapters…this book is highly recommended reading for students of political developments in Ireland during this era.’Neil Pye, SSLH and Independent Researcher, Labour History Review, vol. 81 No. 2, July 2016‘All of the chapters to this volume are valuable contributions to our knowledge of the Labour Party and Ireland…every chapter was worthy of inclusion.’John Newsinger, Race and Class Vol 58, No 3 -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction – Laurence Marley1. A tangled legacy: the Irish ‘inheritance’ of British Labour – Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh2. Uneasy Transitions: Irish nationalism, the rise of Labour and the Catholic Herald, 1888-1914 – Joan Allen3. The British Labour Party, Belfast Labour and home rule, 1900–14 – Emmet O’Connor4. ‘A parliamentary victory’: Ramsay MacDonald and Irish republican deportees, 1923 – Ivan Gibbons5. ‘That link must be preserved, but there are other problems’: the British Labour Party and Derry, 1942–62 – Máirtín Ó Catháin6. British Labour and developments in Ireland in the immediate post-war years – Peter Collins7. ‘Not foreign’: the Republic of Ireland Act, 1948, and Labour’s response to the Irish in Britain – David Shaw8. ‘Where the Tories rule’: Geoffrey Bing, MP, and partition – Bob Purdie9. The British Labour Party and the tragedy of Northern Ireland Labour – Aaron Edwards10. ‘Why don’t they all just go away?’ Reflections upon aspects of Labour policy towards Northern Ireland, 1966-1970: a personal narrative – Kevin McNamara11. ‘Withdrawal on the table?’ Labour government policy on Northern Ireland, 1974–76 – Niall Ó Dochartaigh12. Labour and police primacy in Northern Ireland, 1974–79 – Stuart C. Aveyard13. Militant tendency, Ireland and the British Labour Party – John Cunningham14. Some intellectual origins of the Labour left’s thought about Ireland, c.1979–97 – Stephen Howe15. ‘The Irish dimension’: Anglo-Irish relations and the British Labour Party, 1981–94 – Melinda Sutton16. ‘Leaving the soundbites at home?’ New Labour and Northern Ireland – Kevin BeanIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive study of the relationship between the Conservative party and the far-right in Britain from 1945 to 1975.Trade ReviewPitchford has, for the first time, brought together details of the myriad groups that exisited on the Party's Right in the 30 years after the end of the Second World War.Pitchford treats the reader to an investigation of organizations well beyond the usual suspects of the National Front and the Monday Club....the first detailed research on these matters in the Conservative Party's own archives and has produced an original and valuable account of the process by which Tory strategists sought to marginalise nationalist and other 'extremist' movements both by purging their own ranks and by incorporating a sanitised version of the nationalist agenda. -- .Table of ContentsPrefaceAbbreviationsIntroduction1. The shock of opposition 1945-19512. Consensus Conservatism and extreme-right revival 1951-573. Macmillan and Home: ‘Pink socialism’ and ‘true-blue’ Conservatism4. Edward Heath: a rightwards turn and the coalescence of the extreme right, 1964-705. ‘Heathco’ meets the extreme challengeConclusion: Keeping it rightBibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisExamines the oratory and rhetoric of twelve key figures from Conservative Party politicsTable of ContentsIntroduction: Analysing oratory in Conservative Party politics – Richard Hayton and Andrew S. Crines1. The oratory of Stanley Baldwin – Andrew Taylor2. The oratory of Winston Churchill – Kevin Theakston3. The oratory of Harold Macmillan – Brendan Evans4. The oratory of Iain Macleod – Mark Garnett5. The oratory of Enoch Powell – Philip Norton6. The oratory of Keith Joseph – Mark Garnett7. The oratory of Margaret Thatcher – Peter Dorey8. The oratory of Michael Heseltine – Mark Bennister9. The oratory of John Major – Timothy Heppell and Thomas McMeeking10. The oratory of William Hague – Judi Atkins11. The oratory of Boris Johnson – Katharine Dommett12. The oratory of David Cameron – Tim BaleConclusion: oratory and rhetoric in Conservative Party politics – Richard Hayton and Andrew S. CrinesIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to explain this anomaly, how and why independents can endure in a democracy that is one of the oldest surviving in Europe and has historically had one of the most stable party systems. -- .Trade Review‘With this book, Liam Weeks has rectified a long-standing neglect and he has done it painstakingly, busying himself over the past 15 years to establish why Ireland has a political culture so “permissive of independents”. The result is an impressively thorough overview of the many facets associated with the existence of Independents in Irish politics.’Diarmaid Ferriter, Professor of Modern Irish History at University College Dublin, The Irish Times'An essential resource for anyone seeking to understand this key and often under studied aspect of Irish democracy.'Seán McGraw, Asstistant Professor of Political Science, University of Notre Dame'This book ought to be read by all involved in Irish politics, both citizens and politicians alike.'Shane Ross TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport -- .Table of Contents1. Introduction2. A typology of independents3. Independents' electoral history4. Independent parliamentarians5. The independent voter6. Independents and the electoral system7. Independents and government8. Why are there independents in Ireland?9. ConclusionAppendixReferencesIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Left's reluctance to embrace political liberalism is partly based on the misunderstandings of justice as fairness. This text provides an overview of the theory, discussing its structure and describing the models of society and the person, as well as the idea of public reason, that it supports.Trade ReviewA valuable document for courses that address contemporary American political thought. -- Eldon Eisenach, University of TulsaOne of the most reliable and insightful explication of Rawls's work available. * CHOICE *A remarkably thorough guide to both the intricate details of Rawls's rather complex and multi-leveld theory.... Students who are approaching Rawls for the first time as well as those who have wrestled with his ideas for many years will find [this book] helpful in its clarity of presentation and capacity to pinpoint precisely where misreadings of Rawls get a foothold, and where they go wrong. * Philosophy in Review *Jon Mandle's book directly addresses some of the important difficulties in reading and understanding Rawls. . . . Rawls's work is notoriously difficult because of the comprehensiveness of his view, the sophistication of his position, the many technical "asides," and the style in which it was written. What's Left of Liberalism? cuts through all of this. -- Ruth Sample, University of New HampshireTable of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Part 2 Liberalism and the Left Part 3 Justice As Fairness I: Framework Chapter 4 The Basic Structure Chapter 5 Reflective Equilibrium Chapter 6 The Model-Conceptions Chapter 7 Public Reason Part 8 Justice As Fairness II: Principles Chapter 9 Primary Goods and Neutrality Chapter 10 The Original Position and the First Principle of Justice Chapter 11 The Second Principle of Justice Chapter 12 Comparison with Mixed Conceptions Part 13 Communitarianism and Conservatism Chapter 14 Sandel and the Priority of Right Chapter 15 Complex Equality Chapter 16 Conservatism Part 17 The Politics of Postmodernism Chapter 18 Poststructuralism Chapter 19 Foucault Chapter 20 Habermas Chapter 21 Conclusion Chapter 22 Bibliography Chapter 23 Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisCombining statistical analysis with narrative history, this re-evaluation of the 1928 presidential election offers a portrait of the candidates and the campaign. The study is based on data from that election and other presidential elections from 1916 to 1940.Trade ReviewLichtman has written what will almost surely be the definitive book on the subject. * Commonweal Magazine *Challenges many well-established ideas and interpretations in a serious and convincing way. [This book] deserves careful reading and study. * Presidential Studies Quarterly *Lichtman provides a fresh approach and an exquisite blend of political theory, quantitative analysis, and historical interpretation that will appeal to both scholars and informed laypersons. * Library Journal *The book combines an elegant scheme of statistical analysis with an engaging style. [Lichtman's] theoretical and methodological contributions demand the most careful attention by students of recent American history and politics. * CHOICE *Every teacher and writer on the period should take Lichtman very seriously indeed. * Journal of Southern History *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Prologue: Al Smith versus Herbert Hoover Chapter 2 Introduction: Interpretations and Revisions Chapter 3 Catholics versus Protestants Chapter 4 Wets versus Drys Chapter 5 Immigrants versus Natives Chapter 6 City versus Country Chapter 7 Blacks versus Whites and Men versus Women Chapter 8 Economic Issues Chapter 9 Change and Continuity in Presidential Politics, 1916-1940 Chapter 10 Conclusions Chapter 11 Statistical Discussions Chapter 12 Appendix 1: Statistical Discussion Chapter 13 Appendix 2: Analysis of Seven Separate Regions Chapter 14 Appendix 3: Transcripts of the Republican Party Survey of Local Leaders Chapter 15 Appendix 4: Sources of the Statistical Data

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a study of the rise of two-party competition in South Carolina. During the two decades covered, the interplay between two clear factions shaped the growth of the party. In this text, the author demonstrates the implications of these developments for the rightward shift in national politics.Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 A Revolution Thwarted: The Failure of Party Realignment in South Carolina, 1950-1954 Chapter 3 Urban Republicanism Emerges from its Shadow, 1954-1961 Chapter 4 The Goldwater Effect, 1962-1966 Chapter 5 Strom Thurmond, School Desegregation, and the Making of the Southern Strategy, 1967-1969 Chapter 6 The Curious Matter of Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr., 1969 Chapter 7 The Fruits of the Southern Strategy, 1970-1972

Read more less

Book SynopsisWe could use many more like him in our public life, was how Newsweek summed up the career of Joseph W. Martin Jr., a long-time Republican leader and chairman of the Republican National Committee and National Conventions. In this, the first full-length, scholarly examination of Martin''s career, readers will encounter a devoted public servant who often modified his party''s extreme stances on domestic matters during the Great Depression and on foreign policy issues leading up to World War II. This political biography effectively illustrates that bipartisanship does not mean abandonment of principles, that kindness, integrity, and gentility are compatible with effective leadership, and that close friendships with members of the opposing party can contribute to a more effective Congress.Table of ContentsChapter 1 "Drifting Farther and Farther into Politics" Chapter 2 "At the Eye of the Hurricane" Chapter 3 "Often. . . Like Cobra and Mongoose" Chapter 4 "The Speaker. . . Grand Strategist and Guiding Spirit" Chapter 5 "Communist Menace. . . More Alarming than. . . Hitler Menace" Chapter 6 "[Republicans] Shedding the Psychology of Opposition" Chapter 7 "Minority Leader: Meanest Job in the World" Chapter 8 "The Sting of Ingratitude"

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn an effort to understand how and why democratically elected governments evade the limitations that democratic accountability and popular participation place on them, Undoing Democracy examines how democratic rule was undermined in Nicaragua in the 1990''s. David Close and Kalowatie Deonandan focus their analysis on the pact struck between the country''s two main parties, the Liberals and the Sandinistas, which allowed the passage of the constitutional amendments that weakened Nicaragua''s basic political institutions. The authors also consider, in detail, the country''s political economy as well as the roles played by civil society, the Catholic Church, and NGOs. Undoing Democracy will sharpen our understanding of democratic transition and consolidation, and will serve as an important contribution to the literature on Nicaragua, Latin American politics, and democratization.Trade ReviewFree and fair elections do not always lead to greater democratization, as this important and readable collection demonstrates. Although the book focuses on Nicaragua, by extension it shows why increasing numbers of citizens in "Third Wave" democracies have become disillusioned with their political systems. Those who think that democratization is a one-way street should read the powerful evidence collected here; left and right can collaborate to emasculate democracy. -- Mitchell A. Seligson, Vanderbilt UniversityUndoing Democracy is an articulate and carefully constructed collection of essays on the process of decomposition and reversal to authoritarianism in post-Sandinista Nicaragua. The merit of the collection goes beyond the systematic analysis of the pitfalls of the notion of “democratic transition” in one of the so-called “third wave” democracies. Undoing Democracy offers profound theoretical contributions to an emerging critical strand of comparative analysis, challenging many of the assumptions and ideological fallacies regarding contemporary democracy, liberalism, globalization and democratization in an era of unilateralism. -- Jorge Nef, University of South FloridaThis close-up look at democratic decomposition offers a valuable corrective to the simplifying assumptions of an earlier 'transitions to democracy' literature. Comparativists will appreciate the spadework of these knowledgeable country specialists who extract the lessons of Nicaragua's strange odyssey, wherein a revolutionary path to democracy turned into an electoral path to strongman rule. An important cautionary tale of how neoliberal economics and clientelistic habits of the political class derailed incipient democratization. -- Richard Stahler-Sholk, Eastern Michigan UniversityUndoing Democracy, filled with strong contributions from noted Nicaragua experts, provides an invaluable record of the erosion of democracy during the Aleman administration. It reveals how re-emergent caudillo politics and the Liberal-Sandinista pact undermined Nicaragua's democratic substance despite the retention of democratic forms. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Nicaragua and the fate of Third-Wave democracies. -- John A. Booth, University of North TexasUndoing Democracy is a rare, lucidly written, and coherently edited analysis of post-revolutionary Nicaraguan politics. -- Shelley A. McConnell, Senior Associate Director of the Americas Program at The Carter CenterThis important collection of ten articles focused on the administration of Arnoldo Aleman reminds us that there is nothing automatic or unidirectional about the transition to democracy. -- Judith Adler Hellman, York University; author of The World of Mexican MigrantsEven though the empirical examples in Undoing Democracy deal with Nicaragua in the late 1990s, the theoretical insights in this book can be applied and tested in other parts of the world, from fledgling and aspiring democracies (such as Iraq) to older experiments in democratic transition (of which there are many examples). * Latin American Politics and Society *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Undoing Democracy in Nicaragua Chapter 2 Parties and Pacts in Contemporary Nicaragua Chapter 3 The Assault on Pluralism Chapter 4 Alemán's War on NGO Community Chapter 5 Unholy Alliance: Churce and the State in Nicaragua (1996-2002) Chapter 6 Violence and Personal Insecurity: The Alemán Administration's Authoritarian Response Chapter 7 Patrimonialism and Economic Policy in the Alemán Administration Chapter 8 The External Debt of Nicaragua and the Alemán Liberal Administration: Images and Realities Chapter 9 President Bolaños Runs a Reverse, or How Arnoldo Alemán Wound Up in Prison Chapter 10 The Caudillo is Dead: Long Live the Caudillo

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Meaning of Liberalism in Brazil explores the consequences of globalization in emerging-market economies using Brazil as a case study. This well-researched and thought provoking book elaborates a new interpretation of Brazilian society by showing the relationship between political thought and economics, as well as how the two disciplines can interact, working together to shape a nation. Milton Tosto Jr. carefully traces the meaning of liberalism throughout Brazilian history, explaining liberalism''s birth and collapse, and ultimately offers reasons why the new liberal institutions of Brazil have an excellent chance of prospering. Anyone interested in economics, political theory, or Latin American studies will find this unique and insightful volume helpful.Trade ReviewThe Meaning of Liberalism in Brazil, by Professor Tosto Jr., presents a lively and academic version of a "Borgean" riddle: Being a very well documented, and fairly interpreted history of liberal-conservative ideas in Brazil, it will surely become another obligatory chapter of this same history. -- Wanderley Guiherme dos Santos, Instituto Universitário de Pesquisas do Rio de JaneiroTosto provides a theoretical approach to liberalism in Brazil, with a focus on contrasting definitions of this ideology and changes in liberal orientation from the 19th century to the present. Recommended. * CHOICE *From the politics of conservative liberalism in the nineteenth century to the economics of neo-liberalism at the beginning of the twenty-first, Tosto charts the struggles for national integration and social inclusion that have bedeviled Brazil since Independence. This book explores the importance of ideas, particularly changing variants of liberalism, that have influenced Brazilians understanding of themselves, their country, and its place in the world. From aristocratic nation-building in the nineteenth century to the consolidation of a peoples' republic at the end of the twentieth, intellectuals and policy-makers have sought to confront patronage and sham constitutionalism - the problematic of how to deliver modernity to all rather than to the few. If Brazil was always seen as ... a country with a promising future, for Tosto the future has finally arrived. The long struggle within (and against) liberalism is at last delivering a market economy regulated by an accountable government with a strong legal system that respects the economic and political property rights of the many. Clientelism and sham constitutionalism have been superceded by an institutional framework that guarantees inclusion and opportunity. -- Colin M. Lewis, London School of Economics & Political ScienceFrom the politics of conservative liberalism in the nineteenth century to the economics of neo-liberalism at the beginning of the twenty-first, Tosto charts the struggles for national integration and social inclusion that have bedeviled Brazil since Independence. This book explores the importance of ideas, particularly changing variants of liberalism, that have influenced Brazilians understanding of themselves, their country, and its place in the world. From aristocratic nation-building in the nineteenth century to the consolidation of a "peoples' republic" at the end of the twentieth, intellectuals and policy-makers have sought to confront patronage and sham constitutionalism - the problematic of how to deliver "modernity" to all rather than to the few. If Brazil was always seen as "... a country with a promising future," for Tosto the future has finally arrived. The long struggle within (and against) liberalism is at last delivering a market economy regulated by an accountable government with a strong legal system that respects the economic and political property rights of the many. Clientelism and sham constitutionalism have been superceded by an institutional framework that guarantees inclusion and opportunity. -- Colin M. Lewis, London School of Economics & Political ScienceTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: The Meaning of Liberalism in Brazil Chapter 2 Liberalism in Nineteenth-Century Brazil Chapter 3 National Identity in Twentieth-Century Brazil Chapter 4 Rethinking Liberalism Chapter 5 A New Meaning of Liberalism Chapter 6 The Delusion of Politics Chapter 7 Liberalism, Constitutionalism, and Political Participation Chapter 8 Conclusion: Meaning, Context, and Social Change

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Meaning of Liberalism in Brazil explores the consequences of globalization in emerging-market economies using Brazil as a case study. This well-researched and thought provoking book elaborates a new interpretation of Brazilian society by showing the relationship between political thought and economics, as well as how the two disciplines can interact, working together to shape a nation. Milton Tosto Jr. carefully traces the meaning of liberalism throughout Brazilian history, explaining liberalism''s birth and collapse, and ultimately offers reasons why the new liberal institutions of Brazil have an excellent chance of prospering. Anyone interested in economics, political theory, or Latin American studies will find this unique and insightful volume helpful.Trade ReviewThe Meaning of Liberalism in Brazil, by Professor Tosto Jr., presents a lively and academic version of a "Borgean" riddle: Being a very well documented, and fairly interpreted history of liberal-conservative ideas in Brazil, it will surely become another obligatory chapter of this same history. -- Wanderley Guiherme dos Santos, Instituto Universitário de Pesquisas do Rio de JaneiroTosto provides a theoretical approach to liberalism in Brazil, with a focus on contrasting definitions of this ideology and changes in liberal orientation from the 19th century to the present. Recommended. * CHOICE *From the politics of conservative liberalism in the nineteenth century to the economics of neo-liberalism at the beginning of the twenty-first, Tosto charts the struggles for national integration and social inclusion that have bedeviled Brazil since Independence. This book explores the importance of ideas, particularly changing variants of liberalism, that have influenced Brazilians understanding of themselves, their country, and its place in the world. From aristocratic nation-building in the nineteenth century to the consolidation of a peoples' republic at the end of the twentieth, intellectuals and policy-makers have sought to confront patronage and sham constitutionalism - the problematic of how to deliver modernity to all rather than to the few. If Brazil was always seen as ... a country with a promising future, for Tosto the future has finally arrived. The long struggle within (and against) liberalism is at last delivering a market economy regulated by an accountable government with a strong legal system that respects the economic and political property rights of the many. Clientelism and sham constitutionalism have been superceded by an institutional framework that guarantees inclusion and opportunity. -- Colin M. Lewis, London School of Economics & Political ScienceFrom the politics of conservative liberalism in the nineteenth century to the economics of neo-liberalism at the beginning of the twenty-first, Tosto charts the struggles for national integration and social inclusion that have bedeviled Brazil since Independence. This book explores the importance of ideas, particularly changing variants of liberalism, that have influenced Brazilians understanding of themselves, their country, and its place in the world. From aristocratic nation-building in the nineteenth century to the consolidation of a "peoples' republic" at the end of the twentieth, intellectuals and policy-makers have sought to confront patronage and sham constitutionalism - the problematic of how to deliver "modernity" to all rather than to the few. If Brazil was always seen as "... a country with a promising future," for Tosto the future has finally arrived. The long struggle within (and against) liberalism is at last delivering a market economy regulated by an accountable government with a strong legal system that respects the economic and political property rights of the many. Clientelism and sham constitutionalism have been superceded by an institutional framework that guarantees inclusion and opportunity. -- Colin M. Lewis, London School of Economics & Political ScienceTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: The Meaning of Liberalism in Brazil Chapter 2 Liberalism in Nineteenth-Century Brazil Chapter 3 National Identity in Twentieth-Century Brazil Chapter 4 Rethinking Liberalism Chapter 5 A New Meaning of Liberalism Chapter 6 The Delusion of Politics Chapter 7 Liberalism, Constitutionalism, and Political Participation Chapter 8 Conclusion: Meaning, Context, and Social Change

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Future of America''s Political Parties tackles a question brought to the fore in 2004 and 2006 and certain to occupy citizens and students of politics for years to come: Where do the parties stand in relation to their historic ideals, the voters, and each other? This book provides an inside glimpse into an April 2006 conference on the future of the parties held at Claremont McKenna College in Southern California. Participants included top-tier political analysts Michael Barone, Peter Beinart, Patrick Caddell, Hugh Hewitt, William Kristol, and Roy Teixeira; noted scholars including Elaine Kamarck, Charles Kesler, Michael Malbin, Wiliam Mayer, and Nelson Polsby; and former Congressman Timothy Roemer (D-Ind.). In a combination of panel discussions and individual remarks, the participants grappled with issues such as the vulnerabilities of the Democrats on moral values and national security, Republican disillusionment with compassionate conservatism, the challenges of the new campaign Trade ReviewAmerican political parties are on the cusp of change, and this book offers a trenchant analysis of the relevant factors and likely possibilities. A distinguished set of contributors make this book the starting place for understanding party politics in 2008 and beyond. -- John C. Green, University of AkronTable of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Introduction Part 3 Chapter 1. The Democrats' Strategy for the Future Chapter 4 Roundtable Discussion: Peter Beinart, Patrick Caddell, Elaine Kamarck, Nelson Polsby, and Ruy Teixeira Part 5 Chapter 2. A New Direction for the Parties? Part 6 Chapter 3. The Republicans' Strategy for the Future Chapter 7 Roundtable Discussion: Michael Barone, Andrew E. Busch, Hugh Hewitt, and William Kristol Part 8 Chapter 4. The Parties and Campaign Finance Part 9 Chapter 5. The Future of Party Organization Part 10 Chapter 6. Cultural Issues and the Future of the Parties

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn an effort to understand how and why democratically elected governments evade the limitations that democratic accountability and popular participation place on them, Undoing Democracy examines how democratic rule was undermined in Nicaragua in the 1990''s. David Close and Kalowatie Deonandan focus their analysis on the pact struck between the country''s two main parties, the Liberals and the Sandinistas, which allowed the passage of the constitutional amendments that weakened Nicaragua''s basic political institutions. The authors also consider, in detail, the country''s political economy as well as the roles played by civil society, the Catholic Church, and NGOs. Undoing Democracy will sharpen our understanding of democratic transition and consolidation, and will serve as an important contribution to the literature on Nicaragua, Latin American politics, and democratization.Trade ReviewFree and fair elections do not always lead to greater democratization, as this important and readable collection demonstrates. Although the book focuses on Nicaragua, by extension it shows why increasing numbers of citizens in "Third Wave" democracies have become disillusioned with their political systems. Those who think that democratization is a one-way street should read the powerful evidence collected here; left and right can collaborate to emasculate democracy. -- Mitchell A. Seligson, Vanderbilt UniversityUndoing Democracy is an articulate and carefully constructed collection of essays on the process of decomposition and reversal to authoritarianism in post-Sandinista Nicaragua. The merit of the collection goes beyond the systematic analysis of the pitfalls of the notion of “democratic transition” in one of the so-called “third wave” democracies. Undoing Democracy offers profound theoretical contributions to an emerging critical strand of comparative analysis, challenging many of the assumptions and ideological fallacies regarding contemporary democracy, liberalism, globalization and democratization in an era of unilateralism. -- Jorge Nef, University of South FloridaThis close-up look at democratic decomposition offers a valuable corrective to the simplifying assumptions of an earlier 'transitions to democracy' literature. Comparativists will appreciate the spadework of these knowledgeable country specialists who extract the lessons of Nicaragua's strange odyssey, wherein a revolutionary path to democracy turned into an electoral path to strongman rule. An important cautionary tale of how neoliberal economics and clientelistic habits of the political class derailed incipient democratization. -- Richard Stahler-Sholk, Eastern Michigan UniversityUndoing Democracy, filled with strong contributions from noted Nicaragua experts, provides an invaluable record of the erosion of democracy during the Aleman administration. It reveals how re-emergent caudillo politics and the Liberal-Sandinista pact undermined Nicaragua's democratic substance despite the retention of democratic forms. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Nicaragua and the fate of Third-Wave democracies. -- John A. Booth, University of North TexasUndoing Democracy is a rare, lucidly written, and coherently edited analysis of post-revolutionary Nicaraguan politics. -- Shelley A. McConnell, Senior Associate Director of the Americas Program at The Carter CenterThis important collection of ten articles focused on the administration of Arnoldo Aleman reminds us that there is nothing automatic or unidirectional about the transition to democracy. -- Judith Adler Hellman, York University; author of The World of Mexican MigrantsEven though the empirical examples in Undoing Democracy deal with Nicaragua in the late 1990s, the theoretical insights in this book can be applied and tested in other parts of the world, from fledgling and aspiring democracies (such as Iraq) to older experiments in democratic transition (of which there are many examples). * Latin American Politics and Society *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Undoing Democracy in Nicaragua Chapter 2 Parties and Pacts in Contemporary Nicaragua Chapter 3 The Assault on Pluralism Chapter 4 Alemán's War on NGO Community Chapter 5 Unholy Alliance: Churce and the State in Nicaragua (1996-2002) Chapter 6 Violence and Personal Insecurity: The Alemán Administration's Authoritarian Response Chapter 7 Patrimonialism and Economic Policy in the Alemán Administration Chapter 8 The External Debt of Nicaragua and the Alemán Liberal Administration: Images and Realities Chapter 9 President Bolaños Runs a Reverse, or How Arnoldo Alemán Wound Up in Prison Chapter 10 The Caudillo is Dead: Long Live the Caudillo

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat Democrats Talk about When They Talk about God is a collection of essays on the religious communication of members of the Democratic Party, past and present-in office, while campaigning, and in their public and private writing. While many books on the market address issues at the intersection of church and state, none to date have focused exclusively on Democrats as important participants in the dialogue about religion and politics.Trade ReviewThe contributors to this book provide an important corrective to the view that only the GOP does "God talk." The collection is full of interesting accounts of candidates and officeholder religious rhetoric. Recommended. -- Clyde Wilcox, professor of government, Georgetown UniversityIn recent years the Democratic Party has struggled to win over conservative Christian voters without antagonizing religious liberals, members of minority faiths and secular Americans. David Weiss has assembled eleven fascinating essays documenting and assessing the religious strategies of Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama and other Democratic candidates. No student of politics and religion in the United States should miss this insightful and balanced evaluation. -- James L. Guth, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Political Science, Furman UniversityDavid Weiss and his colleagues have produced a fascinating collection of essays on the role of religion in the rhetoric of the Democratic Party and its leaders. Insightful, analystic and timely, this book reveals that religious language is not the sole province of Republicans and is likely to remain a staple of political discourse for years to come. -- John C. Green, University of Akron, and Director, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied PoliticsTable of Contents1 Introduction: What Do Democrats Talk about When They Talk about God? Part 2 I: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives Chapter 3 1: The Religious Explorations of Thomas Jefferson and his Public and Private Expressions of Faith Chapter 4 2: Deities, Divisions, and Democrats: The "Political Left" and Religion Part 5 II: Past Presidents and Presidential Hopefuls Chapter 6 3: The Three Faces of John: Mutable Religious Personae in the 2004 Presidential Race Chapter 7 4: Bill Clinton's Looking Glass: A Metaphorical Analogy for the Faith and Values of the Democratic Party Chapter 8 5: The "Voice of God" in Democratic Political Rhetoric: Exploring the Social-Political Gospel of John Edwards Chapter 9 6: Al Gore's Rational Faith and Unreasonable Religion Part 10 III: The Religious Rhetoric of Barack Obama Chapter 11 7: The Audacity of Faith: An Inclusive Political Rhetoric Chapter 12 8: Dancing on the Wall: An Analysis of Barack Obama's "Call to Renewal" Keynote Address Chapter 13 9: Change the Context, Build the Coalition: Democrats, Abortion Reduction, and the Politics of Articulation Part 14 IV: Religion in Gubernatorial and Congressional Campaigns Chapter 15 10: Tim Kaine's Catholic Evangelical Rhetoric Chapter 16 11: Dwelling amongst the Righteous: Keith Ellison-Demagogue or Demon? 17 About the Contributors

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat Democrats Talk about When They Talk about God is a collection of essays on the religious communication of members of the Democratic Party, past and present-in office, while campaigning, and in their public and private writing. While many books on the market address issues at the intersection of church and state, none to date have focused exclusively on Democrats as important participants in the dialogue about religion and politics.Trade ReviewThe contributors to this book provide an important corrective to the view that only the GOP does "God talk." The collection is full of interesting accounts of candidates and officeholder religious rhetoric. Recommended. -- Clyde Wilcox, professor of government, Georgetown UniversityIn recent years the Democratic Party has struggled to win over conservative Christian voters without antagonizing religious liberals, members of minority faiths and secular Americans. David Weiss has assembled eleven fascinating essays documenting and assessing the religious strategies of Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama and other Democratic candidates. No student of politics and religion in the United States should miss this insightful and balanced evaluation. -- James L. Guth, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Political Science, Furman UniversityDavid Weiss and his colleagues have produced a fascinating collection of essays on the role of religion in the rhetoric of the Democratic Party and its leaders. Insightful, analystic and timely, this book reveals that religious language is not the sole province of Republicans and is likely to remain a staple of political discourse for years to come. -- John C. Green, University of Akron, and Director, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied PoliticsTable of Contents1 Introduction: What Do Democrats Talk about When They Talk about God? Part 2 I: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives Chapter 3 1: The Religious Explorations of Thomas Jefferson and his Public and Private Expressions of Faith Chapter 4 2: Deities, Divisions, and Democrats: The "Political Left" and Religion Part 5 II: Past Presidents and Presidential Hopefuls Chapter 6 3: The Three Faces of John: Mutable Religious Personae in the 2004 Presidential Race Chapter 7 4: Bill Clinton's Looking Glass: A Metaphorical Analogy for the Faith and Values of the Democratic Party Chapter 8 5: The "Voice of God" in Democratic Political Rhetoric: Exploring the Social-Political Gospel of John Edwards Chapter 9 6: Al Gore's Rational Faith and Unreasonable Religion Part 10 III: The Religious Rhetoric of Barack Obama Chapter 11 7: The Audacity of Faith: An Inclusive Political Rhetoric Chapter 12 8: Dancing on the Wall: An Analysis of Barack Obama's "Call to Renewal" Keynote Address Chapter 13 9: Change the Context, Build the Coalition: Democrats, Abortion Reduction, and the Politics of Articulation Part 14 IV: Religion in Gubernatorial and Congressional Campaigns Chapter 15 10: Tim Kaine's Catholic Evangelical Rhetoric Chapter 16 11: Dwelling amongst the Righteous: Keith Ellison-Demagogue or Demon? 17 About the Contributors

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this volume, scholars discuss the most recent wave of redistricting Congress. Emphasizing the state-level factors and processes, the volume ultimately shows how national requirements and state requirements come together to permit states to be largely self-responsible for what they do in terms of drawing districts.Trade ReviewCongresspeople run for office from geographically bounded districts, and the drawing of those districts is of intense concern to politicians, parties, interested groups, the media, and the public. This book focuses on the process of drawing district lines in the 18 states that gained or lost seats in 2010. The selection of these states provides one side of the redistricting picture, ignoring intrastate population shifts in states with no changes in the number of seats. The 18 case studies are bookended by an initial contextual chapter and a brief summary chapter. . . . The introductory chapter provides some useful generalizations. . . . The final chapter largely makes the arguments that the Republicans will be favored in near future redistricting due to their success in districting state legislatures. Overall generalizations about redistricting are avoided. Most readers will find this a good archival summary of redistricting in their state if they are among the chosen 18. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, research, and professional collections. * CHOICE *A core principle of representative democracy is that the people are free to choose their leaders, but more and more, leaders are actually choosing their voters. The case studies presented here trace carefully how the redistricting process played out across the country following the 2010 census, not only testing key theories of redistricting, but also exploring the confluence of increasingly sophisticated technology and the hyper-partisan political environment. The stories are thorough without being excessive, and the mix of states creates for good generalizations. This excellent book is long overdue! -- William E. Cunion, Associate Academic Dean, University of Mount UnionThe book is a comprehensive overview of Congressional redistricting in 2011. With chapters covering 18 states, William J. Miller and Jeremy D. Walling’s collection of state experts provide an excellent account of the complexities and nuances of redistricting across the country. Each case provides details and insights that capture the political battle over Congressional redistricting. Overall, this volume brings together the interesting differences and similarities inherent in the redistricting process across the country. -- Jonathan Winburn, University of MississippiTable of ContentsChapter One: Tom and Gerry? The Cat and Mouse Game of Congressional Redistricting, William J. Miller Chapter Two: Utah: Pizza Slices, Doughnut Holes, and One-Party Dominance, Adam R. Brown Chapter Three: Incumbency, Influence, and Race: Redistricting, South Carolina Style, Christopher N. Lawrence and Scott H. Huffmon Chapter Four: Swimming Against the Tide: Partisan Gridlock and the 2011 Nevada Redistricting, David F. Damore Chapter Five: Redistricting the Peach State, Charles S. Bullock, III Chapter Six: “Fair” Districts in Florida: New Congressional Seats, New Constitutional Standards, Same Old Republican Advantage?, Aubrey Jewett Chapter Seven: Congressional Redistricting in Louisiana: Region, Race, Party, and Incumbents, Pearson Cross Chapter Eight: Redistricting in Massachusetts, Shannon Jenkins and Samantha Pettey Chapter Nine: Michigan: Republican Domination during a Population Exodus, Michael K. Romano, Todd A. Curry and John A. Clark Chapter Ten: Redistricting in Arizona: An Independent Process Challenged by Partisan Politics, Frederic I. Solop and Ajang A. Salkhi Chapter Eleven: Carving Lines in the Cascades: Redistricting Washington, Kevin Pirch Chapter Twelve: Missouri: Show Me...Again and Again!, Rick Althaus, Jeremy D. Walling, and William J. Miller Chapter Thirteen: Congressional Redistricting in New Jersey, Brigid Callahan Harrison Chapter Fourteen: Lone Star Lines: The Battle over Redistricting in Texas, Jason P. Casellas and Alvaro Corral Chapter Fifteen: Redistricting Congressional Districts in Ohio: An Example of a Partisan Process with Long-lasting Consequences, Mark Salling Chapter Sixteen: Raw Political Power, Gerrymandering, and the illusion of fairness: The Pennsylvania Redistricting Process, 2001 and 2011, Harry C. "Neil" Strine IV Chapter Seventeen: Redistricting in Iowa 2011, Timothy M. Hagle Chapter Eighteen: Drawing Congressional Districts in Illinois—Always Political, Not Always Partisan, Kent Redfield Chapter Nineteen: New York Redistricting in Action: Legislative Inaction and Judicial Enaction, Russell C. Weaver and Joshua J. Dyck Chapter Twenty: Why Redistricting Matters: Political Decisions and Policy Impacts, William J. Miller

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn Politics on a Human Scale, Jeff Taylor examines political decentralization in the United States, including agrarianism, statesâ rights, the abandonment of the decentralist impulse by the national leadership of the Democratic and Republican parties, and the dissident tradition on the contemporary political scene.Trade ReviewThis is an ambitious examination of America's traditional rejection of centralized government and its embrace of dispersed power and locally responsive politics. Taylor argues that decentralism is much more than 'states' rights'; it means 'minimalistic government at every level.' Taylor covers a wide swath of American politics as he explores both the history and implications of decentralism. He begins with agrarianism and traces his narrative through the eras of state sovereignty, the Progressive Era, the New Deal, the Reagan revolution, and centralization . . . [S]tudents of American politics and history will . . . appreciate the rich detail of the narrative and the presentation of an interesting and important perspective on decentralization. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, undergraduate students, research faculty, and professionals. * CHOICE *With Politics on a Human Scale, the Dordt College political scientist Jeff Taylor offers a well-informed, near-encyclopedic examination of when and how America's once-dominant political tradition receded. * Reason *The book is packed with elegantly developed historical observations and erudite observations. . . All things considered, Jeff Taylor provides the best available account of the varied ways partisan interaction and electoral competition shaped decentralism’s development and subsequent demise in America. Now that we are better positioned to comprehend how decentralism fell on hard times, and how its decline complicated the prospect for American cultural flourishing, we are empowered to make headway toward Politics on a Human Scale. * Front Porch Republic *This book is engagingly written, and the notes and source materials would provide the raw materials for a true conservative renaissance. ... Politics on a Human Scale is both a solid history and inspiring polemic. * Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture *Any serious study of how the American federalist system was transformed into the centralized Leviathan State that it is today should include Jeff Taylor’s book Politics on a Human Scale: The American Tradition of Decentralism. The great value of this book is the breadth and depth with which its author covers the subject matter. With the aid of over 500 bibliographical sources, Dr. Taylor recounts the story of how both major political parties ultimately came to reject their Jeffersonian elements in favor of Hamiltonian big government. . . .Rather than regurgitating the same simplistic, generalized narrative found in most American history books, Taylor’s narrative, much of which gainsays the conventional wisdom, is a meticulous rehashing of the specific beliefs, behaviors, and connections between several key political figures and the movements which they inspired. . . .Jeff Taylor provides the most comprehensive work on the history of decentralism which I have ever come across. This book is a must read for anyone who hopes to have a well-rounded understanding of how America got to this point and where things might be heading from here. There can be little doubt that Dr. Taylor’s contribution to the Jeffersonian tradition will be of great service in the fight to restore Politics on a Human Scale. * Reformed Libertarian *Jeff Taylor’s book, Politics on a Human Scale, provides an essential account of the much touted but practically neglected themes of decentralization and populism in American politics. Taylor shows how the forces of centralization have consistently co-opted much of what is called conservatism and how a human scale politics is not only beneficial to human flourishing but indispensable for a free society. This book is a valuable step in fostering a better future. -- Mark T. Mitchell, Patrick Henry CollegeWith a vast and impressive knowledge of American political history, a skillful pen, and a generous heart, political scientist Jeff Taylor—proud son of Iowa, the Tall Corn State—explores, illuminates, and, yes, celebrates the decentralist tradition in American politics. If you want to know about our heritage of peace, agrarianism, local democracy, and the dispersion of power—that is, if you want to understand the history, personalities, and promise of the human-scale alternative to the American Empire—this is the book for you. -- Bill Kauffman, author, "Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette"Madison thought the House of Representatives should have one member for every 30,000 population. Today there is one for every 720,000. By mid-century there will be one for every million. The Census Bureau predicts a billion people in America by end of the century. Professor Jeff Taylor argues that America has grown simply too large for the purposes of self government. In this comprehensive study which touches all aspects of the topic—constitutional, moral, political, and even theological—he shows how and why power should be devolved back to state and local communities. -- Donald W. Livingston, emeritus professor of philosophy, Emory UniversityJeff Taylor’s Politics on a Human Scale is a comprehensive and deep ideological analysis of important changes in American political history. With numerous examples, Taylor reveals the power of elitism in both the Democratic and Republican parties. Whatever your ideological orientation, the book is an open invitation to consider the importance of a foundational American political value. It is a valuable addition to understanding American politics. -- Karl Trautman, chairperson of social science department, Central Maine Community CollegeTable of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction: The Quadratic Persuasion Chapter 2. The Country Party: Agrarianism Surveyed Chapter 3. Nullification and the Politics of State Sovereignty Chapter 4. The Path Not Taken by the Progressive Era and New Deal Chapter 5. Southern Democrats and Selective Devolutions Chapter 6. Me-Too Republicans and Averted Revolutions Chapter 7. Ronald Reagan: Conservatism Co-Opted Chapter 8. Dissident Voices in an Age of Centralization Appendices A. Two Southern Populists with National Ambitions B. Wilson and the Coming of War C. Thomas Bayard, Grover Cleveland, and the Rise of Empire D. Personal Links between Taft ’52 and Goldwater ’64

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany conservative extremists have argued that Obama was advancing a socialist agenda, immersing himself in African-American radicalism, and pushing big government liberal policies during his first term. The Republican Party, we once knew, has been pushed to the extreme right and has rendered itself unwilling to compromise with the first African American president in order to credit him with any degree of success. The Party's chief goal was to take back the White House in the 2012 presidential election by any means necessary to push their radical agenda, as some have boldly stated. With the help of Republican governors in certain swing states, the Republican Party knew it had a chance to win the White House by passing voter suppression ID laws. Consequently, from white church pulpits to the political arena, conservative radicals have divided the American electorate and have played on the irrational apocalyptic fears of many that Obama will destroy the exceptional nature of America. ConsTrade ReviewWondering why President Barack Obama and the 112th Congress can't seem to solve the current economic and social problems in the United States? Obama's Political Saga guides you to the answers. Laying a foundation of historical and recent facts, Mary Rucker examines how systemic racism and white retribution affected President Obama's first term and influenced the lives of people of color, more specifically, African Americans. Challenged by conservative radicalism, President Obama's dedication to democracy for all U.S. citizens and his views on American exceptionalism are transparent in the author's explanation of him maintaining the foundation of principles of his country. Adding to this analysis is the powerful role the media has played in the raucous political brawl between congress and the president. Nevertheless, Rucker argues obstructionist behavior of congress fails to curtail the re-election of President Obama to a second term. She fervently points out the changing demographics and a "new civil rights movement" were essential factors conservatives did not take into consideration. Obama's Political Saga is superlative reading for professors and students in mass communications, sociology, and political science. -- Cherlyn A. Johnson, professor of mass communications, Virginia State UniversityTable of ContentsList of Tables Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Battling History: Obama, Systemic Racism, and Colorism Chapter 2: The Obama Presidency: A Backlash of Racism and Conservative Radicalism Chapter 3: The Media: Transmitters of Eliminationist and Racialized Rhetoric Chapter 4: American Exceptionalism: Roots, Racism, and Obama Chapter 5: The Re-Election of Barack Obama: “The People Spoke” Bibliography Index About the Author

Read more less

Book SynopsisFeaturing a foreword by Congressman Glen Browder, Politics on a Human Scale examines political decentralization in the United States, from the founding of the republic to the present.Part of the desirable equilibrium is a sense of proportionality. Some sizes, some amounts, some levels are more appropriate than others. Decentralism is the best political tool to ensure equilibrium, to promote proportionality, and to obtain appropriate scale. Power distribution should be as wide as possible. Government functions should be as close to the people as practicable. In this way, individual human beings are not swallowed by a monstrous Leviathan. Persons are not at the mercy of an impersonal bureaucracy led by the far-away few. Decentralism gives us politics on a human scale. It gives us more democracy within the framework of a republic. The longest chapters in the book deal with crucial turning points in U.S. historyspecifically, when decentralists lost the upper-hand in the two major political parties. Decentralism in our nation runs deep, both intellectually and historically. It also has considerable popular support. Yet today it is a virtual political orphan. In Washington, neither major political party is serious about dispersing power to lower levels of government or to the people themselves. Still, there are dissident politicians and political movements that remain committed to the decentralist principle.Power needs to be held in check, partly through decentralization, because power holds a great and dangerous attraction for humans. Recognition of this human tendency is the first step in guarding against it and getting back on a better path.Trade ReviewJeff Taylor’s book, Politics on a Human Scale, provides an essential account of the much touted but practically neglected themes of decentralization and populism in American politics. Taylor shows how the forces of centralization have consistently co-opted much of what is called conservatism and how a human scale politics is not only beneficial to human flourishing but indispensable for a free society. This book is a valuable step in fostering a better future. -- Mark T. Mitchell, Patrick Henry CollegeWith a vast and impressive knowledge of American political history, a skillful pen, and a generous heart, political scientist Jeff Taylor—proud son of Iowa, the Tall Corn State—explores, illuminates, and, yes, celebrates the decentralist tradition in American politics. If you want to know about our heritage of peace, agrarianism, local democracy, and the dispersion of power—that is, if you want to understand the history, personalities, and promise of the human-scale alternative to the American Empire—this is the book for you. -- Bill Kauffman, author, "Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette"Madison thought the House of Representatives should have one member for every 30,000 population. Today there is one for every 720,000. By mid-century there will be one for every million. The Census Bureau predicts a billion people in America by end of the century. Professor Jeff Taylor argues that America has grown simply too large for the purposes of self government. In this comprehensive study which touches all aspects of the topic—constitutional, moral, political, and even theological—he shows how and why power should be devolved back to state and local communities. -- Donald W. Livingston, emeritus professor of philosophy, Emory UniversityJeff Taylor’s Politics on a Human Scale is a comprehensive and deep ideological analysis of important changes in American political history. With numerous examples, Taylor reveals the power of elitism in both the Democratic and Republican parties. Whatever your ideological orientation, the book is an open invitation to consider the importance of a foundational American political value. It is a valuable addition to understanding American politics. -- Karl Trautman, chairperson of social science department, Central Maine Community CollegeThe book is packed with elegantly developed historical observations and erudite observations. . . All things considered, Jeff Taylor provides the best available account of the varied ways partisan interaction and electoral competition shaped decentralism’s development and subsequent demise in America. Now that we are better positioned to comprehend how decentralism fell on hard times, and how its decline complicated the prospect for American cultural flourishing, we are empowered to make headway toward Politics on a Human Scale. * Front Porch Republic *With Politics on a Human Scale, the Dordt College political scientist Jeff Taylor offers a well-informed, near-encyclopedic examination of when and how America's once-dominant political tradition receded. * Reason *This book is engagingly written, and the notes and source materials would provide the raw materials for a true conservative renaissance. ... Politics on a Human Scale is both a solid history and inspiring polemic. * Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture *Any serious study of how the American federalist system was transformed into the centralized Leviathan State that it is today should include Jeff Taylor’s book Politics on a Human Scale: The American Tradition of Decentralism. The great value of this book is the breadth and depth with which its author covers the subject matter. With the aid of over 500 bibliographical sources, Dr. Taylor recounts the story of how both major political parties ultimately came to reject their Jeffersonian elements in favor of Hamiltonian big government. . . .Rather than regurgitating the same simplistic, generalized narrative found in most American history books, Taylor’s narrative, much of which gainsays the conventional wisdom, is a meticulous rehashing of the specific beliefs, behaviors, and connections between several key political figures and the movements which they inspired. . . .Jeff Taylor provides the most comprehensive work on the history of decentralism which I have ever come across. This book is a must read for anyone who hopes to have a well-rounded understanding of how America got to this point and where things might be heading from here. There can be little doubt that Dr. Taylor’s contribution to the Jeffersonian tradition will be of great service in the fight to restore Politics on a Human Scale. * Reformed Libertarian *This is an ambitious examination of America's traditional rejection of centralized government and its embrace of dispersed power and locally responsive politics. Taylor argues that decentralism is much more than 'states' rights'; it means 'minimalistic government at every level.' Taylor covers a wide swath of American politics as he explores both the history and implications of decentralism. He begins with agrarianism and traces his narrative through the eras of state sovereignty, the Progressive Era, the New Deal, the Reagan revolution, and centralization . . . [S]tudents of American politics and history will . . . appreciate the rich detail of the narrative and the presentation of an interesting and important perspective on decentralization. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, undergraduate students, research faculty, and professionals. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction: The Quadratic Persuasion Chapter 2. The Country Party: Agrarianism Surveyed Chapter 3. Nullification and the Politics of State Sovereignty Chapter 4. The Path Not Taken by the Progressive Era and New Deal Chapter 5. Southern Democrats and Selective Devolutions Chapter 6. Me-Too Republicans and Averted Revolutions Chapter 7. Ronald Reagan: Conservatism Co-Opted Chapter 8. Dissident Voices in an Age of Centralization Appendices A. Two Southern Populists with National Ambitions B. Wilson and the Coming of War C. Thomas Bayard, Grover Cleveland, and the Rise of Empire D. Personal Links between Taft ’52 and Goldwater ’64

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThough not mentioned in the Constitution, political parties have evolved in the American setting to become crucial political actors without which modern representative democracy would be unworkable. Operating within the interstices produced by the constitutional divisions of public and private, federalism, separation of powers, and representation, American political parties maintain a quasi-public function and status that invites ongoing judicial intervention. Wigton explores the role of courts in defining the legal limits, obligations, and contours of political parties in the US. Wigton's account explores how courts have fashioned a broad but incomplete jurisprudence within each of the three interrelated areas that constitute political parties--the party organization, the electoral side of parties, and the party-in-government. Wigton explores court involvement in these areas from several political science paradigms, but his chief contribution is in describing how courts have balanced an irreducible number of competing values (such as the right to association, the integrity of the electoral process, and regime stability) in fashioning their jurisprudence. Wigton's scholarly emphasis is chiefly empirical, but he also proffers brief normative recommendations for courts based on his findings. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, research, and professional collections. * CHOICE *Wigton does an excellent job documenting and critically analyzing the history of government regulation of political parties in the United States, with a particular focus on the role the courts have played in this process. A valuable text for all scholars of American political parties. -- Mark D. Brewer, University of MaineTable of ContentsChapter 1: American Political Parties, Government Regulation & Constitutional Law Chapter 2: The Judicial Regulation of the Internal Activities of Political Parties Chapter 3: The Regulation of Political Parties in the Electoral Process Chapter 4: The Regulation of Incumbent Political Parties Chapter 5: Summary and Recommendations Bibliography Cases Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis study enriches and updates the theoretical debate on party change with detailed empirical research on Portuguese political parties. By examining the evolution of political parties in this recent democracy, this work raises new points about party transformations and provides insights relevant to all scholars of the political process.Trade ReviewPolitical Parties are central institutions of representative democracy, even if they are failing to perform many of their democratic functions. Exploring the relationship between political parties and democratization in Portugal, this book is a major contribution to the comparative study of party system configurations in Europe. -- António Costa Pinto, University of LisbonMarco Lisi's carefully crafted new book on Portuguese parties will be of great interest to a wide range of readers. The book provides an in-depth analysis of Portugal's political parties alongside an acute examination of major theoretical controversies in the comparative literature on political parties. The book manages to adeptly serve as an easy-to-follow introduction for those unfamiliar with these topics while simultaneously providing much in the way of valuable new analysis for those already familiar with Portuguese politics and the study of parties. -- Robert M. Fishman, Universidad Carlos III de MadridUsing a variety of sources of quantitative and qualitative data on party membership, voting behavior, leadership selection, party platforms, and election campaigns, Lisi shows how the Portuguese party system and its adaptation to internal and external constraints have been characterized by a fundamental inertia regarding mechanisms of internal transparency, recruitment, and representation. It is true that, unlike what has occurred in other comparable cases, this has not resulted (yet?) in party system disaggregation on the face of recent massive economic and societal challenges. However, such resilience comes at a price of a ‘divorce’ between citizens and parties with no signs of reconciliation, with detrimental consequences for the quality of democracy itself. -- Pedro C. Magalhães, University of LisbonTable of Contents1. Introduction 2. Party Change in Contemporary Democracies: the Analytic Framework 3. The Development of Party Organizations in Portugal 4. The Social Bases of Support: Voters and Party Members 5. Candidate and Leadership Selection 6. Ideology and Partisanship in Portuguese Parties 7. Parties and Electoral Campaigns 8. Conclusions

Read more less

Book SynopsisConnecting with Constituents explores speeches delivered at national nominating conventions from historic, strategic, and analytic perspectives. Focusing on the strategies speakers use to appeal to particular facets of the American audience, this book illustrates the importance of nominating conventions as part of an ongoing national conversation about the political character of the country and its people. The individual chapters focus on different types of convention orations, including keynote speeches, acceptance addresses by presidential and vice presidential nominees, orations by the candidates' wives, and addresses by other surrogate speakers. Each chapter provides a brief history of a particular type of oration, an explication of speakers, speeches, and contexts from the RNC and DNC between 1980 and 2008, and an in-depth comparative analysis of 2012 Republican and Democratic speeches. The book demonstrates how candidates and those speaking on their behalf employ strategies (suchTrade ReviewConnecting with Constituents demonstrates the continuing importance of speeches at national political conventions for creating a sense of shared identity between candidates and the people. The useful comprehensive discussion of contemporary keynotes, surrogate speeches, candidate acceptance speeches, and speeches by candidates’ wives illuminates important trends in contemporary politics, especially the very different visions of the electorate expressed in recent Republican and Democratic conventions. -- Robert C. Rowland, The University of KansasVigil’s book underscores the importance of identifying with voters via the nominating convention. It is a comprehensive analysis of the many genres of convention rhetoric and the role that each speech plays in creating a bond between the nominee and the electorate. This fascinating work is sure to benefit the student of politics, rhetoric, and public address. -- John M. Jones, Pepperdine UniversityThis book contributes key insights into already excellent work on the rhetoric of national convention addresses. Specifically by looking at the words of not only presidential candidates, but also wives, vice presidential candidates, and surrogates, this project pushes the boundaries of our understanding of how discourse functions in nominating conventions to craft our perceptions of candidates. It is a meaningful and valuable contribution. -- Heather Ashley Hayes, Whitman CollegeTable of ContentsIntroduction: The Importance of Presidential Campaigns and Nominating Conventions Chapter One: Identification and the Race for the White House Chapter Two: Setting the Tone: Convention Keynote Addresses Chapter Three: Relying on Others: Special Surrogates Speak Chapter Four: Running Mate Challenges: Vice Presidential Nominees’ Acceptance Speeches Chapter Five: When Wives Speak: Addresses by Nominees’ Spouses Chapter Six: The Main Event: Presidential Nomination Acceptance Addresses Conclusion: The Ties that Bind: Lessons from Convention Speeches

Read more less

Book SynopsisWoodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism highlights Wilsons sharp departure from the traditional principles of American government, most notably the Constitution. Ronald J.Trade ReviewThe 'Era of Big Government'—and the idea that the national government ought to be adequate to any task the people ask of it—did not creep up on America unaware. It was a deliberate project, grounded in a critique of the original Constitution, bolstered by a new political science, and guided by a thorough-going confidence in historical progress. With clarity, conviction, and plenty of evidence, R. J. Pestritto shows that, from his early days as a political scientist through his election to the presidency, Woodrow Wilson was consistently a central figure in the development of Progressivism and so of the Liberalism that dominated twentieth-century American public policy and political life. Though Wilson was no philosopher-king, Pestritto explains that our doctor-of-philosophy-president changed how we think about democracy and about America, in ways that ought to be reappraised but have yet to be undone. -- James R. Stoner, Jr., Louisiana State UniversityRonald Pestritto’s book is the deepest and most comprehensive treatment to date of Woodrow Wilson’s political thought. Pestritto has produced a masterful study of the origins of Wilson’s theoretical views, and he has carefully shown the connections between those views and Wilson’s positions on major constitutional and institutional questions. All interested in American political thought will appreciate this important work. -- James Ceaser, University of VirginiaIn his brilliant new book, Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism, Ronald Pestritto painstakingly documents Wilson's debt to Hegel. -- Paul Mirengoff and Scott Johnson * The Daily Standard *Pestritto offers an interesting read, with Wilson as a parallel to contemporary end of history commentary. Recommended. * CHOICE *In a work that cuts against much of the existing scholarship on Wilson, Pestritto shows that Wilson held coherent and consistent political principles throughout his life, and that these principles put Wilson at the heart of the Progressive movement. Pestritto's case relies on an impressive and meticulous study of Wilson's own words—speeches and writings taken from every stage of Wilson's life—which makes this book all the more persuasive. -- John Marini, University of Nevada, RenoRonald J. Pestrito’s book is an in-depth, methodical analysis of Wilson’s political philosophy. This dense, but relatively short 7 chapter volume is opened by placing Wilson in context with historical thinking and the founding of America. In the introduction, Pestrito lays out the foundation for the book. He contrasts the fundamental difference between Wilson’s political philosophy and that of the Founders. This difference stems from the framers’ core belief in inalienable, trans-historical truth and Wilson’s belief in historicism and the adapted tenets of German philosophers, notably Hegel. * What Would the Founders Think? *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Wilson, the Founding, and Historical Thinking Chapter 1: Historicism and Wilson's Critique of the Social Compact Chapter 2: The Modern Democratic State and the New Political Science Chapter 3: Beyond the Separation of Powers: The New Constitutionalism and the Growth of the American National State Chapter 4: Congress as Parliament? Chapter 5: The Presidency, the Parties, and the Judiciary Chapter 6: Who Governs? Wilson's Leadership Doctrine and the Question of Democracy Chapter 7: Wilson's Science of Administration Conclusion: 1912 and Beyond

Read more less

Book SynopsisWoodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism highlights Wilsons sharp departure from the traditional principles of American government, most notably the Constitution. Ronald J.Trade ReviewThe 'Era of Big Government'—and the idea that the national government ought to be adequate to any task the people ask of it—did not creep up on America unaware. It was a deliberate project, grounded in a critique of the original Constitution, bolstered by a new political science, and guided by a thorough-going confidence in historical progress. With clarity, conviction, and plenty of evidence, R. J. Pestritto shows that, from his early days as a political scientist through his election to the presidency, Woodrow Wilson was consistently a central figure in the development of Progressivism and so of the Liberalism that dominated twentieth-century American public policy and political life. Though Wilson was no philosopher-king, Pestritto explains that our doctor-of-philosophy-president changed how we think about democracy and about America, in ways that ought to be reappraised but have yet to be undone. -- James R. Stoner, Jr., Louisiana State UniversityRonald Pestritto’s book is the deepest and most comprehensive treatment to date of Woodrow Wilson’s political thought. Pestritto has produced a masterful study of the origins of Wilson’s theoretical views, and he has carefully shown the connections between those views and Wilson’s positions on major constitutional and institutional questions. All interested in American political thought will appreciate this important work. -- James Ceaser, University of VirginiaIn his brilliant new book, Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism, Ronald Pestritto painstakingly documents Wilson's debt to Hegel. -- Paul Mirengoff and Scott Johnson * The Daily Standard *Pestritto offers an interesting read, with Wilson as a parallel to contemporary end of history commentary. Recommended. * CHOICE *In a work that cuts against much of the existing scholarship on Wilson, Pestritto shows that Wilson held coherent and consistent political principles throughout his life, and that these principles put Wilson at the heart of the Progressive movement. Pestritto's case relies on an impressive and meticulous study of Wilson's own words—speeches and writings taken from every stage of Wilson's life—which makes this book all the more persuasive. -- John Marini, University of Nevada, RenoRonald J. Pestrito’s book is an in-depth, methodical analysis of Wilson’s political philosophy. This dense, but relatively short 7 chapter volume is opened by placing Wilson in context with historical thinking and the founding of America. In the introduction, Pestrito lays out the foundation for the book. He contrasts the fundamental difference between Wilson’s political philosophy and that of the Founders. This difference stems from the framers’ core belief in inalienable, trans-historical truth and Wilson’s belief in historicism and the adapted tenets of German philosophers, notably Hegel. * What Would the Founders Think? *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Wilson, the Founding, and Historical Thinking Chapter 1: Historicism and Wilson's Critique of the Social Compact Chapter 2: The Modern Democratic State and the New Political Science Chapter 3: Beyond the Separation of Powers: The New Constitutionalism and the Growth of the American National State Chapter 4: Congress as Parliament? Chapter 5: The Presidency, the Parties, and the Judiciary Chapter 6: Who Governs? Wilson's Leadership Doctrine and the Question of Democracy Chapter 7: Wilson's Science of Administration Conclusion: 1912 and Beyond

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the wake of Election 2000 and the Ralph Nader factor, this collection of essays examines the possibilities for and performance of minor parties in the American political system. Will minor parties flourish or flounder in the 2004 election season? A variety of views are presented.Table of ContentsPart 1 I Possibilities Chapter 2 1 Multiparty Politics in America: Possibilities and Performance Chapter 3 2 Two-Party Dominance and Minor Party Forays in American Politics Chapter 4 3 The Case for a Multiparty System Chapter 5 4 In Defense of the Two-Party System Chapter 6 5 Public Opinion and the American Party System: Possibilities for Multiparty Politics Part 7 II Performance Chapter 8 6 Running Against the Odds: Minor-Party Campaigns in Congressional and State Legislative Elections Chapter 9 7 The Rise and Decline of the Reform Party, 1992-2000 Chapter 10 8 Sharing the Spoils: Ralph Nader, the Green Party, and the Elections of 2000 Chapter 11 9 Multiparty Politics in New York Chapter 12 10 Barriers to Minor Party Success and Prospects for Change

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe two-month long election day in Florida made one thing clear: we need to find ways to make the American political system more responsive to the demands of all citizens. This book provides a critical assessement of a broad range of electoral reforms proposed to enhance responsive government.Trade ReviewBringing together a rich and thoughtful collection of essays written by democratic theorists, researchers, and practitioners, Democracy's Moment provides a thoughtful and compelling argument for the need to rediscover our tradition of democratic reform, and a pragmatic blueprint for how to do so. This book should be read by anyone interested in the theory and practice of participatory democracy. -- Michael X. Delli Carpini, Dean, Annenberg School for Communication, University of PennsylvaniaDemocracy's Moment is a tremendously important contribution to a moment in our nation's history—democracy's moment, hopefully—when we can make major progress toward reforming our democratic processes and practices to make them as vibrant, inclusive, and fully participatory as we possibly can. The book contains a terrific assortment of historical analyses, current trends, and particular policy proposals aimed at making democracy truly work. -- Miles S. Rapoport * From The Foreword *This volume is filled with sound theory and practical approaches to solving the problem of nonparticipation in the U.S.'s political life. The presidential election of 2000 may have presented the American political system with the moment it has been waiting for—the moment to undertake serious, meaningful reform. Those who share that interest will find this volume enormously helpful. Recommended. * CHOICE *A valuable overview of the many ways to strengthen democracy . . . the varied approaches in this book, all moving together, are an agenda that can bear fruit over time. * Future Survey *The book is not just a valuable contribution to political science, but a passionate pleading for reforms in the tradition of the progressive movement as most openly demonstrated in the concluding remarks. The volume can be recommended either to the student of U.S. electoral matters or to the reform activist; ideally—one is tempted to assume—the reader may be both. * Political Studies Review *Listening to most academics and pundits, you would not necessarily believe it: but this IS democracy's moment. Ronald Hayduk and Kevin Mattson are to be congratulated for bringing together a wise group of essayists who combine a detailed knowledge of the electoral system with a democratic imagination grounded in the best of American historical traditions. This is the rare book that could produce a genuinely better civic life. -- Robert D. Johnston, Yale UniversityTable of ContentsPart 1 Introduction and Historical Background Chapter 2 Remembering Florida for the Right Reasons Chapter 3 History as Hope: The Legacy of the Progressive Era and the Future of Political Reform in America Part 4 Eliminating Barriers to Political Participation: Tearing Down Walls Chapter 5 The Weight of History: Election Reform During the Progressive Era and Today Chapter 6 More Choice Please! Why U. S. Ballot Access Laws are Discriminatory and How Independent Parties and Candidates Challenge Them Chapter 7 Freeing Politics from the Grip of Money: The Limits of Campaign Finance Reform and the Need for a New Approach Part 8 Engaging Citizens: Building Citizens Chapter 9 Democratic Theory and the Case for Public Deliberation Chapter 10 Educating for Democracy Chapter 11 Community as a Source for Democratic Politics Chapter 12 Can the Internet Rescue Democracy? Toward an On-line Commons Part 13 Making the System More Responsive Chapter 14 Instant Runoff Voting and Full Representation: Keys to Fulfilling Democracy's Promise Chapter 15 Putting Democracy Back into the Initiative and Referendum Chapter 16 The Debate Gerrymander and America's Electoral-Industrial Complex Chapter 17 The Electoral College: Constitutional Debate, Partisan Manipulation, and Reform Possibilities Part 18 Challenges and Prospects for Democratic Reform Chapter 19 What Makes Reform So Difficult: The Case of America's Cities and the Problem of Elites Chapter 20 Looking Backward While Looking Forward to Democracy's Moment Chapter 21 Appendix: National and Regional Democracy Organizations

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe two-month long Election Day in Florida made one thing clear: We need to find ways to make the American political system more responsive to the demands of all citizens. This book provides a critical assessement of a broad range of electoral reforms proposed to enhance responsive government. The book aims not only to analyze the obstacles to full political participation, but to capitalize on the window of opportunity that election 2000 has provided to make our political system more truly democraticto realize ''democracy''s moment.''Trade ReviewBringing together a rich and thoughtful collection of essays written by democratic theorists, researchers, and practitioners, Democracy's Moment provides a thoughtful and compelling argument for the need to rediscover our tradition of democratic reform, and a pragmatic blueprint for how to do so. This book should be read by anyone interested in the theory and practice of participatory democracy. -- Michael X. Delli Carpini, Dean, Annenberg School for Communication, University of PennsylvaniaDemocracy's Moment is a tremendously important contribution to a moment in our nation's history—democracy's moment, hopefully—when we can make major progress toward reforming our democratic processes and practices to make them as vibrant, inclusive, and fully participatory as we possibly can. The book contains a terrific assortment of historical analyses, current trends, and particular policy proposals aimed at making democracy truly work. -- Miles S. Rapoport * From The Foreword *This volume is filled with sound theory and practical approaches to solving the problem of nonparticipation in the U.S.'s political life. The presidential election of 2000 may have presented the American political system with the moment it has been waiting for—the moment to undertake serious, meaningful reform. Those who share that interest will find this volume enormously helpful. Recommended. * CHOICE *A valuable overview of the many ways to strengthen democracy . . . the varied approaches in this book, all moving together, are an agenda that can bear fruit over time. * Future Survey *The book is not just a valuable contribution to political science, but a passionate pleading for reforms in the tradition of the progressive movement as most openly demonstrated in the concluding remarks. The volume can be recommended either to the student of U.S. electoral matters or to the reform activist; ideally—one is tempted to assume—the reader may be both. * Political Studies Review *Listening to most academics and pundits, you would not necessarily believe it: but this IS democracy's moment. Ronald Hayduk and Kevin Mattson are to be congratulated for bringing together a wise group of essayists who combine a detailed knowledge of the electoral system with a democratic imagination grounded in the best of American historical traditions. This is the rare book that could produce a genuinely better civic life. -- Robert D. Johnston, Yale UniversityTable of ContentsPart 1 Introduction and Historical Background Chapter 2 Remembering Florida for the Right Reasons Chapter 3 History as Hope: The Legacy of the Progressive Era and the Future of Political Reform in America Part 4 Eliminating Barriers to Political Participation: Tearing Down Walls Chapter 5 The Weight of History: Election Reform During the Progressive Era and Today Chapter 6 More Choice Please! Why U. S. Ballot Access Laws are Discriminatory and How Independent Parties and Candidates Challenge Them Chapter 7 Freeing Politics from the Grip of Money: The Limits of Campaign Finance Reform and the Need for a New Approach Part 8 Engaging Citizens: Building Citizens Chapter 9 Democratic Theory and the Case for Public Deliberation Chapter 10 Educating for Democracy Chapter 11 Community as a Source for Democratic Politics Chapter 12 Can the Internet Rescue Democracy? Toward an On-line Commons Part 13 Making the System More Responsive Chapter 14 Instant Runoff Voting and Full Representation: Keys to Fulfilling Democracy's Promise Chapter 15 Putting Democracy Back into the Initiative and Referendum Chapter 16 The Debate Gerrymander and America's Electoral-Industrial Complex Chapter 17 The Electoral College: Constitutional Debate, Partisan Manipulation, and Reform Possibilities Part 18 Challenges and Prospects for Democratic Reform Chapter 19 What Makes Reform So Difficult: The Case of America's Cities and the Problem of Elites Chapter 20 Looking Backward While Looking Forward to Democracy's Moment Chapter 21 Appendix: National and Regional Democracy Organizations

Read more less

Book SynopsisEquality, fairness and opportunity are the themes which American progressives could win elections. This text explains why the left's political strategies have failed, and calls for different strategies and alliances that could lead to political success and a better America.Trade ReviewIn this spirited book, Domhoff confronts conventional political wisdom and makes us think about ways to put progress back in 'Progressive.' Dig in. . . then get to organizing! -- Jim Hightower, author, columnist, and populist organizerCharacteristically Domhoff: straight to the point, intellectually incisive, and deliberately helpful. We needed this book. -- Harvey Molotch, New York University and University of California, Santa BarbaraDomhoff explains the left's failures and calls for a renewed egalitarian vision across the classes. * Publishers Weekly *For several decades, professors and students alike have learned a great deal about the realities of power in the United States from Bill Domhoff's books, including several editions of his classic, Who Rules America? But students who want to improve the world as well as understand it will be grateful for Domhoff's latest contribution, Changing the Powers That Be. The power structure, he argues, is neither monolithic nor invincible. . . . This is a book guaranteed to give even cynical students hope about our country's future and idealistic students a roadmap for putting their ideals into practice. Professors who teach courses about American politics, social movements, elections, political parties, the media, and similar topics will find that Changing the Powers That Be gets students thinking, talking, and even do-ing. -- Peter Dreier, Occidental CollegeA fascinating book for those who believe the political system needs serious change. Recommended. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsChapter 1 1 The What-If Nader Campaign of 2000 Chapter 2 2 Why Egalitarians Should Transform the Democratic Party Chapter 3 3 More Equality Through the Market System Chapter 4 4 Social Movements and Strategic Nonviolence Chapter 5 5 Redefining Who's Us and Who's Them Chapter 6 6 Keeping Leaders Accountable Chapter 7 7 A New Foreign Policy and a New Stance on Religion Chapter 8 8 Stop Blaming the Media Chapter 9 9 Making the Future Yours

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book analyzes the efforts by Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), to transform the relationship between the bureaucratic core of full-time party officials (the inner party) and the Communists who manned the Soviet state (the outer party). Jonathan Harris argues that the efforts of party officials, headed by the secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee, to direct members of the outer party were the essence of so-called party leadership of the entire political system, and that Gorbachev''s reforms destroyed the basis of this leadership. Finally, Subverting the System shows how orthodox party officials not only directly challenged Gorbachev''s definitions but worked vigorously to restore their own authority during the last years of Gorbachev''s reign; opposition contributed significantly to the attempted coup against him in 1991.Trade ReviewPerhaps the most satisfactory account that has yet appeared of what the Gorbachev reforms meant to those who were engaged in them at lower levels of the party structure. . . . Serious students of the CPSU will find themselves in its debt for some time to come. -- Stephen White, University of Glasgow * The Russian Review *You might have thought that there was little more to be said about the Gorbachev period, and about its ruling party in particular. Jonathan Harris's book suggests a rather different conclusion…. An illuminating essay on the dynamics of political change through the perspective of party officials who were responsible for implementing the Gorbachev reforms, but who all too often had little to guide them. -- Stephen White, University of Glasgow * The Russian Review *The collapse of the Soviet Union remains a matter of both great interest and of continuing research. Crucial to that collapse was the disintegration of the Communist Party, a process that is the focus of the book under review. Jonathan Harris seeks to explain the differing views among party functionaries about the course and desirability of reform of the party apparatus and its role….His reliance on close reading of the documents, often allowing them to talk for themselves, is a strength because it enables us to get a flavor of the arguments and a feel for the different positions that individuals adopted at various times…. An excellent addition to our understanding of elite attitudes to change during perestroika. -- Graeme Gill, University of Sydney * Journal of Cold War Studies, Summer 2005 Issue 7:3 *A useful contribution to the literature on that last, remarkable period of Soviet history which witnessed the dismantling of the communist system, a process which was largely completed more than two years before the Soviet Union itself ceased to exist. -- Archie Brown * Europe-Asia Studies *Subverting the System addresses an issue of fundamental importance, namely the internal evolution of the regime in the final years of Soviet power, and in particular the contradictory approach taken by Gorbachev in relation to the role and organization of the Communist Party. The author's exploration of Party materials and debates combined with a detailed reading of memoir literature and the party press results in crucial insights into the breakdown of Party rule. Many books have touched on these issues, but this is the first to tackle head on developments in the apparat and thus makes a significant and original contribution to the field. -- Richard Sakwa, University of KentTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Gorbachev's Campaign for "Political Work" Forward and Back, 1986-1987 Chapter 3 The 19th Conference of the CPSU and the Reform of the Party's Apparat, 1988 Chapter 4 The Impact of the Congress of Peoples Deputies: 1989 Chapter 5 Gorbachev's Growing Revisionism, 1989-1990 Chapter 6 Towards the 28th Congress of the CPSU, 1990 Chapter 7 The Revival of the Secretariat, 1990-1991 Chapter 8 From Orthodoxy to Reform, January-August 1991 Chapter 9 Conclusion

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewMost observers of presidential elections in the United States know that the ability to raise campaign funds has a direct bearing on the ability to get elected. But how many people understand how early the money chase has to begin? Michael Goff's, The Money Primary makes an important contribution to our understanding of the role of money in politics by showing how fund-raising plays a critical role in defining the field of candidates long before primary voters can have their voices heard. Anyone whohas wondered what it really takes to be a viable candidate for the nomination would benefit from reading The Money Primary. -- Lawrence Noble, executive director, Center for Responsive PoliticsThis is a very thoughtful, readable analysis of early presidential campaigning as well as a welcome update concerning early money and media attention. . . . Recommended. * CHOICE *As front-loading and ever-increasing dependence on campaign cash redefine the nature and length of presidential campaigning, Michael Goff has presented a solid first attempt at explaining how presidential candidates maneuver themselves to positions of competitiveness in the early days of presidential elections. The Money Primary is a good piece of preliminary research into an area of increasing importance. Goff's conclusions, particularly that campaign finance reforms have counterintuitively made primaries less democratic, are challenging and evidently correct. * Presidential Studies Quarterly *The year before the presidential election has become a private referendum in which the wealthiest Americans substantially pre-select and pre-determine who our next President will be. Roughly ninety percent of maximum contributions to candidates are given the year before the election, and the hottest candidate in the check-writing sweepstakes is deemed 'worthy' by the major media via hundreds of news stories and the crowning buzzword, 'momentum.' All others are dubbed losers before the first votes are cast in Iowa and New Hampshire. Michael Goff's important new book, The Money Primary, examines how the early presidential nomination process has become distorted, and what it means for our democracy. -- Charles Lewis, author of The Buying of the President 2004 and executive director of the Center for Public IntegrityMost observers of presidential elections in the United States know that the ability to raise campaign funds has a direct bearing on the ability to get elected. But how many people understand how early the money chase has to begin? Michael Goff's, The Money Primary makes an important contribution to our understanding of the role of money in politics by showing how fund-raising plays a critical role in defining the field of candidates long before primary voters can have their voices heard. Anyone who has wondered what it really takes to be a viable candidate for the nomination would benefit from reading The Money Primary. -- Lawrence Noble, executive director, Center for Responsive PoliticsTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 "The Money Primary" in the Early Presidential Nomination Process Chapter 3 The Early Presidential Nomination Campaign and Presidential Campaign Finance in the Political Science Literature Chapter 4 Research Plan and Methodology for Examining "The Money Primary" Chapter 5 The Cases of 1988 and 2000: The Two All Non-Incumbent Presidential Nomination Races of the Post-Reform Era Chapter 6 Early Campaign Fund-Raising Success and Candidate Viability Chapter 7 Media Coverage of Campaign Fund-Raising and Candidate Viability Chapter 8 "The Money Primary" and Presidential Selection Chapter 9 Afterword: New Directions for Presidential Nomination Reform

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe race that''s run before the one for president - that''s ''the money primary.'' But more than money must be acquired in the early campaign for president. What''s often just as important in securing candidate viability and success is the media coverage garnered during this time, since this is frequently the first decisive test of a candidate''s presidential strength. With the 2008 presidential nomination campaign approaching, this study''s focus on the early campaigns in the 1988 and 2000 presidential races is all the more timely. These two presidential nomination campaigns are the only ones since the nominating reforms of the 1970''s in which an incumbent president was not on the ballot - and 2008 is expected to be the third. If the early campaigns of 1988 and 2000 are a guide, the early campaign for 2008 will be in full swing by 2006, three years before Election Day 2008.Trade ReviewMost observers of presidential elections in the United States know that the ability to raise campaign funds has a direct bearing on the ability to get elected. But how many people understand how early the money chase has to begin? Michael Goff's, The Money Primary makes an important contribution to our understanding of the role of money in politics by showing how fund-raising plays a critical role in defining the field of candidates long before primary voters can have their voices heard. Anyone whohas wondered what it really takes to be a viable candidate for the nomination would benefit from reading The Money Primary. -- Lawrence Noble, executive director, Center for Responsive PoliticsThis is a very thoughtful, readable analysis of early presidential campaigning as well as a welcome update concerning early money and media attention. . . . Recommended. * CHOICE *As front-loading and ever-increasing dependence on campaign cash redefine the nature and length of presidential campaigning, Michael Goff has presented a solid first attempt at explaining how presidential candidates maneuver themselves to positions of competitiveness in the early days of presidential elections. The Money Primary is a good piece of preliminary research into an area of increasing importance. Goff's conclusions, particularly that campaign finance reforms have counterintuitively made primaries less democratic, are challenging and evidently correct. * Presidential Studies Quarterly *The year before the presidential election has become a private referendum in which the wealthiest Americans substantially pre-select and pre-determine who our next President will be. Roughly ninety percent of maximum contributions to candidates are given the year before the election, and the hottest candidate in the check-writing sweepstakes is deemed 'worthy' by the major media via hundreds of news stories and the crowning buzzword, 'momentum.' All others are dubbed losers before the first votes are cast in Iowa and New Hampshire. Michael Goff's important new book, The Money Primary, examines how the early presidential nomination process has become distorted, and what it means for our democracy. -- Charles Lewis, author of The Buying of the President 2004 and executive director of the Center for Public IntegrityMost observers of presidential elections in the United States know that the ability to raise campaign funds has a direct bearing on the ability to get elected. But how many people understand how early the money chase has to begin? Michael Goff's, The Money Primary makes an important contribution to our understanding of the role of money in politics by showing how fund-raising plays a critical role in defining the field of candidates long before primary voters can have their voices heard. Anyone who has wondered what it really takes to be a viable candidate for the nomination would benefit from reading The Money Primary. -- Lawrence Noble, executive director, Center for Responsive PoliticsTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 "The Money Primary" in the Early Presidential Nomination Process Chapter 3 The Early Presidential Nomination Campaign and Presidential Campaign Finance in the Political Science Literature Chapter 4 Research Plan and Methodology for Examining "The Money Primary" Chapter 5 The Cases of 1988 and 2000: The Two All Non-Incumbent Presidential Nomination Races of the Post-Reform Era Chapter 6 Early Campaign Fund-Raising Success and Candidate Viability Chapter 7 Media Coverage of Campaign Fund-Raising and Candidate Viability Chapter 8 "The Money Primary" and Presidential Selection Chapter 9 Afterword: New Directions for Presidential Nomination Reform

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow did liberal become a dirty word in American politics? How did compassionate conservative become a viable campaign theme? When did the independent voter become the most sought-after prize in modern campaigns? And why haven''t third-party candidates enjoyed similar acclaim? The Talk of the Party listens to how the language of partisanshipincluding words like Democrat, Republican, party, liberal, conservative, and independenthas been used over the past fifty years and how it has created or limited political opportunities. Listening to the talk of the party can teach valuable lessons about campaigns, opportunities for public life, and the future of these American institutions.Trade ReviewThis book provides a much-needed dissection of critical markers of partisanship in campaign discourse and discussions of governance over the last fifty years. It is the perfect complement to recent and more long-standing efforts to map the linguistic terrain of politics by scholars such as George Lakoff and Murray Edelman. This volume will be of interest to students and scholars, politicians and pundits, offering new insights in the dynamics that have shaped the current language of politics. Jarvis paints a vivid portrait of how terms such as 'liberal' have come under attack, whereas critiques of 'conservative' have been forestalled. This is an important book for anyone interested in understanding political discourse in the twentieth century and beyond. -- Dhavan V. Shah, University of Wisconsin, MadisonFor scholars interested in parties, campaigns, and political communications, this is an important book. Jarvis presents thoughtful ideas on the history and evolution of party labels and on how elites use these names in symbolic ways. This book is a readable and up-to-date account of how parties structure civic life in the United States. * Political Science Quarterly *This book offers a rich store of detail about the way parties are portrayed by the managers of political discourse and how those portrayals have changed over time. Scholars of discourse, political or otherwise, will find an excellent example of a well-executed analysis of political text and the process of branding. * Perspectives on Politics *Take six words, four sets of political elite voices, three types of political messages, two major political parties, and a group of independent voters, then apply a methodology that mixes them up with questions rising out of communication, political science, linguistic, and marketing theories, and you have a recipe that produces new explanations for the ebb and flow of American political parties' fortunes for the past 50 years. Sharon Jarvis's The Talk of the Party uses analysis of past political talk—and its influence on the public's perceptions of parties and their candidates—to project how technology and traditional communication channels will impact party messages, perceptions, and outcomes in the future. As with all good research, Jarvis leaves us with new questions as well as new insights. This book will find its way into a variety of political communication and political science courses and will be quoted by scholars who study political discourse. -- Diana Bartelli CarlinTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Parties and Power Chapter 2 1 Political Branding, 1948–2004 Chapter 3 2 What Are Parties Worth? Chapter 4 3 The Enduring Party Chapter 5 4 The Evolving Party Chapter 6 5 The Conflicted Party Chapter 7 6 The Two Major Parties and Everyone Else Chapter 8 7 Brand Dominance: Consistency Prevails

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe withdrawal of young Americans from electoral politics has been as startling as it has been mystifying. Possible explanations for this phenomenon have focused on increased levels of cynicism and distrust among young voters, the behavior of candidates and campaign consultants, and the importance of institutional barriers to voting. Then came the 2004 election, when nearly 47 percent of eligible 18-to-24-year-olds turned out to votean 11 percent increase over 2000 levels. In the wake of this surprising development, Fountain of Youth looks at the tactics and strategies for youth mobilizationfrom improved civic education to recasting the theme of Rock the Vote to reinvigorating political parties. Indeed, the book includes new and innovative research on the role of local political parties in registering and getting young voters to the polls. This volume will be of interest to scholars, teachers, practitioners, pundits-in short, anyone concerned about the future of our democracy.Trade ReviewShea and Green have assembled a rigorous and broad compendium of research findings and proposals regarding the political participation of young Americans. A consistent theme throughout the eleven diverse, thoughtful chapters is the importance of taking young people seriously. This book should influence research and political strategy as the Millennial Generation takes its place in the American electorate. -- Peter Levine, director, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE)Fountain of Youth is essential reading for those interested in the ways that parties, activists, and scholars view the past, present, and future of youth involvement in politics. -- Donald Green, Yale UniversityHighly recommended. * CHOICE *In a concise, comprehensive and readable collection, Fountain of Youth serves as an excellent discussion and analysis of the issues surrounding the participation of youth in American politics and the strategies and tactics that can be used to engage young voters. Shea and Green, two accomplished scholars, draw on their research and the scholarship of an impressive group of colleagues to provide us with an important discussion of why engaging this generation matters. It is a must read book for those who want to understand the role of youth in our political system. -- Alan Gitelson, Loyola University, ChicagoTable of ContentsPart 1 Background on Youth Participation in America Chapter 2 The Turned Off Generation? Fact and Fiction Part 3 Political Parties and Mobilization of Young Voters Chapter 4 Throwing a Better Party? Local Political Parties and Youth Vote Chapter 5 Tales from the Trenches: Party Organizations that Are Connecting with Young Citizens Chapter 6 Building Party Identification in the Young and Revitalizing Democracy Part 7 Civic Education and Youth Engagement: Past, Present, and Future Chapter 8 Civic Knowledge, Civic Education, and Civic Engagement Chapter 9 Political Participation and Service-Learning: Civic Education as Problem and Solution Chapter 10 Promoting Diversity in Democracy: Mobilizing the Hip Hop Generation Part 11 Non-Partisan Organizations and Turning out the Youth Vote Chapter 12 Youth Political Engagement: Why Rock the Vote Hits the Wrong Note Chapter 13 Mobilizing the Youth Vote in 2004 and Beyond Chapter 14 Young Voter Mobilization Projects in 2004 Part 15 Conclusion Chapter 16 Faces of the Future

Read more less

Book SynopsisDemonstrates how organizational theory can be useful for understanding party movements, and also expands on the idea of continuity, contributing new ways of thinking about how organizations survive in the face of recurring dilemmas. This work looks at the organizational problems they face and the strategies employed to deal with them.Trade ReviewParty movements often demonstrate remarkable resilience despite difficult circumstances and poor prospects. Mildred Schwartz provides a penetrating analysis of a wide range of party movements and explains why and how they are able to endure in so many instances. She blends skillful analysis of a range of American and Canadian cases in guiding us into new and important scholarly territory. -- Barry G. Rabe, University of MichiganMildred Schwartz brilliantly dissects insurgencies inside political parties, applying organizational and social movement theories to explain their unresolved dilemmas, constant struggles, and remarkable resilience. Her skillful mining of historical events for their contemporary relevance makes this book the definitive investigation of party movements in the U.S. and Canada. -- David H. Knoke, University of MinnesotaSchwartz's study of the tenacity of party movements in Canada and the U.S. is a focused and thorough examination of the choices made by group actors as they seek to remain relevant and persist in otherwise often historically hostile institutional environments. This book builds on a lifetime of meticulous scholarship on political parties and social movements, and will be of benefit to students who draw comparisons between Canada and the U.S., as well as observers seeking conceptually generalizable insights into the complex and evolving relationship between protest groups and political institutions. -- Jeffrey M. Ayres, Saint Michael's CollegeMildred Schwartz makes a powerful scholarly statement on the effects of tactics on party movements' persistence over time. A must read for students of U.S. and Canadian politics and social change. -- Joseph J. Galaskiewicz, University of ArizonaMildred Schwartz is the most thoughtful comparative scholar of the U.S. and Canada -- John Thompson, historian, retired teacherMovements don't always end with a bang or a whimper. While it is tempting to call it an end when the peak of protest passes, Mildred Schwartz shows how social movements can continue to advance their struggle by becoming 'party movements' and seeking government office. The route through political institutions is not an easy one, and is marked with difficult dilemmas for activists. Schwartz shows how activists attempt to manage their ongoing campaigns, in and out of mainstream politics, over the long haul. Her account will be essential reading for people interested in parties or social movements, because she eliminates any facile distinctions between them. -- David S. Meyer, University of California, IrvineWhere do protest parties come from, and how do they fare over the longer term? Are these organizations closer to parties or social movements in character? Mildred Schwartz's study offers a fascinating comparative response to these questions, drawing in particular on American and Canadian examples. -- Sylvia Bashevkin, University College, University of TorontoTable of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Persisting Party Movements Chapter 3 Eight Settings for Party Movements Chapter 4 Dilemmas, Choices, and Constraints Chapter 5 Factions Chapter 6 Takeover Chapter 7 Purification Chapter 8 Mergers Chapter 9 Makeovers Chapter 10 Abeyance Chapter 11 When Party Movements Persist

Read more less

Book SynopsisParty movements can be described as political organizations that both participate in the electoral process and have social movement qualities. They appear frequently in both Canada and the United States. Many of these movements face huge organizational problems, and yet they display remarkable resilience, signaling both continuing political dissatisfactions as well as possibilities for changing political outcomes. This book demonstrates how organizational theory can be useful for understanding party movements, and also expands on the idea of continuity, contributing new ways of thinking about how organizations change and survive in the face of recurring dilemmas. This look inside party movements, at the organizational problems they face and the strategies employed to deal with them, represents a new way of accounting for their history that contrasts with perspectives focusing solely on external conditions.Trade ReviewParty movements often demonstrate remarkable resilience despite difficult circumstances and poor prospects. Mildred Schwartz provides a penetrating analysis of a wide range of party movements and explains why and how they are able to endure in so many instances. She blends skillful analysis of a range of American and Canadian cases in guiding us into new and important scholarly territory. -- Barry G. Rabe, University of MichiganMildred Schwartz brilliantly dissects insurgencies inside political parties, applying organizational and social movement theories to explain their unresolved dilemmas, constant struggles, and remarkable resilience. Her skillful mining of historical events for their contemporary relevance makes this book the definitive investigation of party movements in the U.S. and Canada. -- David H. Knoke, University of MinnesotaSchwartz's study of the tenacity of party movements in Canada and the U.S. is a focused and thorough examination of the choices made by group actors as they seek to remain relevant and persist in otherwise often historically hostile institutional environments. This book builds on a lifetime of meticulous scholarship on political parties and social movements, and will be of benefit to students who draw comparisons between Canada and the U.S., as well as observers seeking conceptually generalizable insights into the complex and evolving relationship between protest groups and political institutions. -- Jeffrey M. Ayres, Saint Michael's CollegeMildred Schwartz makes a powerful scholarly statement on the effects of tactics on party movements' persistence over time. A must read for students of U.S. and Canadian politics and social change. -- Joseph J. Galaskiewicz, University of ArizonaMildred Schwartz is the most thoughtful comparative scholar of the U.S. and Canada -- John Thompson, historian, retired teacherMovements don't always end with a bang or a whimper. While it is tempting to call it an end when the peak of protest passes, Mildred Schwartz shows how social movements can continue to advance their struggle by becoming 'party movements' and seeking government office. The route through political institutions is not an easy one, and is marked with difficult dilemmas for activists. Schwartz shows how activists attempt to manage their ongoing campaigns, in and out of mainstream politics, over the long haul. Her account will be essential reading for people interested in parties or social movements, because she eliminates any facile distinctions between them. -- David S. Meyer, University of California, IrvineWhere do protest parties come from, and how do they fare over the longer term? Are these organizations closer to parties or social movements in character? Mildred Schwartz's study offers a fascinating comparative response to these questions, drawing in particular on American and Canadian examples. -- Sylvia Bashevkin, University College, University of TorontoTable of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Persisting Party Movements Chapter 3 Eight Settings for Party Movements Chapter 4 Dilemmas, Choices, and Constraints Chapter 5 Factions Chapter 6 Takeover Chapter 7 Purification Chapter 8 Mergers Chapter 9 Makeovers Chapter 10 Abeyance Chapter 11 When Party Movements Persist

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrings together thirteen Beltway and grassroots progressive voices for an integrated discussion of the electoral, message, and organizational strategies that Democrats should pursue to return to power and establish a lasting progressive governing coalition.Trade ReviewWe have a new generation of progressive activists on the rise, and this book brings us many of its newest, brightest stars, unafraid to take on existing orthodoxies as they seek to build an effective movement for the 21st century. You may not agree with everything in this book—I didn't—but it's uniformly compelling and thought provoking. -- Markos Moulitsas, Daily KosAny Democrat in need of an encouraging shot in the arm or Republican wanting a warning shot across the bow would be well advised to read this book. Hardly a pop-culture infused, political self-help book, this is a serious book by serious people—pollsters, political scientists, journalists, policy analysts, and even a blogger and Internet maven. Get This Party Started explains what did and did not happen in the 2004 presidential election, why, and what progressives should do next. -- Charlie Cook, The Cook Political Report; political analyst, NBC NewsThe Democrats managed to turn 48 percent of the popular vote in 2004 into a free fall in just one year. This book has it all for Democrats and progressives of all stripes who are tired of being on the losing side: recipes that include just the right amounts of organization, new technology, messaging, and conveying the heart and soul of the party. The authors hope to restart the party. This book promises to at least restart the debate. -- John Zogby, president/CEO, Zogby InternationalIt is great to see progressives offering new ideas for the America we all want, a beacon of freedom where all people have the chance to live the American Dream. -- Senator John EdwardsFrom historic deficits to an attack on Social Security to handouts to drug companies, this country cannot afford Republican Washington any longer. Let's get this party rolling. -- Senator Tom DaschleWho says progressives don't have any good or new ideas about how to advance their cause? Get This Party Started: How Progressives Can Fight Back and Win provides ample documentation that progressives have both. I urge all those concerned about conservative domination of American politics to read this book and, even better, to act on the many excellent recommendations they will find in it. -- Ruy Teixeira, coauthor of The Emerging Democratic Majority and America's Forgotten Majority: Why the White Working Class Still MatterThis book features a lot of information from some tough, smart, and often young people about how to get our side in shape to take on bullies again, both at home and abroad: say what you believe, tell the truth, organize, trust local people, pay attention to the American people, don't talk down to voters, get outside of Washington, and don't be afraid to talk about moral values, because ours are closer to mainstream American values than the values of the right wing. Above all, fight. -- Howard Dean, from the forewordMathew Kerbel presents leading Beltway and grassroots voices in Get this party Started: How Progressives Can Fight back and Win Craft the message, plot the campaign, plan a better world, and—like a good soldier—fight as if your life depended on winning. -- Barbara Meade * Capitol File *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Merging Message, Electoral and Organizational Strategies Chapter 2 1: Getting Off the Road to Nowhere Chapter 3 2: Explaining George Bush's Victory in 2004 (It's Terrorism, Stupid!) Chapter 4 3: Moving Beyond the Gender Gap Chapter 5 4: Solving the Values Dilemma Chapter 6 5: Seeking the Common Good Chapter 7 6: Crafting Policy and Message Chapter 8 7: Closing the 527 Loophole Chapter 9 8: Communicating a Progressive Philosophy Chapter 10 9: Teaching Progressives to "Speak American" Chapter 11 10: Fire the Consulants! Chapter 12 11: Powering Up Internet Campaigns Chapter 13 12: Blogging for Political Change Chapter 14 Conclusion: Blueprint for a Progressive Era Chapter 15 Taking Action: Talk Back and Fight Back!

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this bold new book, political scientist John Ehrenberg critically analyzes the rise of an ideologically coherent Right. He dissects their themes of military weakness, moral decay, racial anxiety, and hostility to social welfare to reveal their central organizing objective of protecting wealth and assaulting equality.Trade ReviewRising economic inequality should be on the top of everyone's political agenda. With the gap between rich and poor, here and abroad, growing yearly, the issue will not go away. American democracy itself is at risk when so few people take home such a large share of the pie, and use their great wealth to corrupt and distort the political process. John Ehrenberg's Servants of Wealth makes clear why this is happening and what people who believe in real democracy and equal citizenship can do about it. Essential reading. -- Charles Noble, author of The Collapse of Liberalism: Why America Needs a New LeftAt last, a coherent, systematic, thoroughly documented, wonderfully clear, and critically astute analysis of the different threads of America's new ruling ideology. Unless one presents them all in their complex interconnections, one can't fully understand any of them. It is just this extraordinarily important but equally difficult task that Servants of Wealth performs with the skill and confidence of a major scholar at the height of his powers. Highly recommended for everyone who still wants to know where the worst blows from inside America are coming from, and why. -- Bertell Ollman, New York UniversityAny American who wants to understand how the American Right has engineered the most potent assault on equality in the nation's history must read John Ehrenberg's Servants of Wealth. Ehrenberg shows how conservative intellectuals, building on the American public's legitimate fear of disorder and economic stagnation, created a formula for national renewal based on discrediting the regulatory powers of the national state and the very idea of equality. The best way to guarantee the common good, they claimed, was to dismantle the welfare state, shrink the federal government for all functions other than national defense, unleash the powers of the market, and reduce taxes on the wealthy. Twenty-five years after this campaign began, we can see the results—a federal government paralyzed in the face of a major hurricane, rampant and growing levels of economic and racial inequality, a concentration of wealth among the top five percent of the population unprecedented in modern American history. Anyone who wants to understand the intellectual underpinnings of this tragic state of affairs should read Ehrenberg's thoughtful and eloquent book. -- Mark Naison, professor of African American studies and history at Fordham University and co-founder of the Badass Teachers AssociationJohn Ehrenberg brilliantly reconstructs the intellectual origins of the Right’s contemporary assault on equality and democracy, dissecting its toxic brew of militarism, racism, moral authoritarianism, free market mythology, and concomitant liberal default. It is an eye-opening account of how half the American population came to support a government dedicated solely to the upward redistribution of wealth. It’s essential reading for understanding both how we got to where we are, and what might be done to reverse the course toward a one-party state. -- Philip Green, author of Primetime Politics: The Truth about Conservative Lies, Corporate Control, and Television CultureTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Crisis and Consolidation Chapter 3 Militarism Chapter 4 Authority Chapter 5 Racial Fear Chapter 6 Attacking the Welfare State Chapter 7 Defending Inequality Chapter 8 Democracy and Equality

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe House of Representatives - the people's House - is supposed to most closely reflect the needs and desires of ordinary citizens. This title shows how we have come to the point where average Americans have little say over what happens in the House, and what can be done about it.Trade ReviewEilperin adds to our understanding of Congress, and as a short history of the House Fight Club Politics should be required reading for political-science students, news editors and reporters, as well as [political] junkies. -- Jonathan E. Kaplan * The Hill *Partisanship and incivility are hardly novel phenomena in American politics. The new ingredient seems to be ideological polarization. Among politicans, there are fewer and fewer conservative Democrats or liberal Republicans, and "centrists" are a disappearing breed. In Fight Club Politics, Juliet Eilperin investigates the relationship between polarization, partisanship, and incivility in contemporary politics and explores its consequences for the day to day workings of the House of Representatives. Neither Democrats nor Republicans will agree with everything she says on controversial questions such as redistricting, but anyone who reads the book carefully will find in it important insights as well as provocative suggestions for restoring civility in "the people's House." -- Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, Princeton UnIt would be difficult to be more fair and balanced than Eilperin has been. . . . While she finds both Republicans and Democrats at fault for the current state of affairs, her journalistic analysis of the 'dysfunctional' House hold Republicans responsible, in particular, for failing to honor their promises. * Findlaw *Today's House of Representatives is a more brittle, rigid and combative institution than anything earlier generations could have imagined—or the Founding Fathers desired. Juliet Eilperin, who knows the place well, tells what has transformed it—and what the costs and consequences have been. You'll understand the House much better when you see it through her eyes. -- David S. Broder, The Washington PostIf you hate the left-right rancor of American politics, this book compellingly tells you how it came about—and what it will take to recreate a civil House of Representatives dedicated to solving America's problems. -- Morton Kondracke, executive editor of Roll Call newspaper and co-host of FOX's Beltway BoysThe Washington Post embedded Juliet Eilperin on Capitol Hill for the embattled first years of the on-going Republican so-called revolution. Fight Club Politics is a distillation of her dispatches from the trenches of the House of Representatives, giving many gruesome details about who did what to whom. Readers can learn here why Congressional politics these days is not for sissies, and only occasionally for the minimally civil. -- Nelson W. Polsby, professor of political science, University of California, Berkeley; author of How Congress EvolvesIn this lucidly written and thoroughly researched first book, Washington Post reporter and D.C. native Eilperin posits that, beginning with Newt Gingrich's nomination as House Speaker in 1994, war-like tactics, manipulation and strategic takeovers have replaced compromise within the House of Representatives, consequently polarizing America's two major parties and leaving the views of its ordinary citizens underrepresented. Eilperin portrays Gingrich as an intimidating, conflicted and sometimes disturbing figure who consolidated Republican power early in his tenure, strong-arming committee chairmen and even soliciting political advice from friend Joe Paterno, the Penn State football coach. To maintain control, the Republican leadership uses loopholes in the system, such as introducing bills so late that representatives don't have time to review them before voting. And the Democrats are shown responding in kind, sticking with their own and ranting bitterly about the Republican House majority. Eilperin's years of experience as a House reporter show in her well-chosen and insightful quotations from lawmakers and commentators, her buoyant prose and the wide scope of her argument. Her portrayal of the fallen House is utterly convincing, but Eilperin ends hopefully, with a look toward what's necessary to restore balance. This exemplary volume is a good bet for anyone wanting an insider's view of America's corridors of power. * Publishers Weekly *In her years reporting on the House, Eilperin discovered many of [Congress's] dysfunctions, maladies that she describes accurately and admirably. * The Instrumentalist *Fight Club Politics is a nice complement to much of the academic work in recent years on the causes of declining electoral competition and increasing party polarization and the effects of these changes on the U.S. House. The book is a kind of ethnography of the transformations in the House over recent years, with accounts from many insiders and viewed through the lens of a journalist who has covered the House for many years. I happily recommend it. -- Richard Pildes, New York University School of Law... a terrific book. I have not seen a more cogent explanation of the current problems facing the so-called Peoples' Branch. -- Ray Smock, President of the Associations of Centers for the Study of Congress and former historian to the U.S. House of Representatives...a skillfully concise treatment of House politics since the early 1990s. -- John J. Pitney Jr., Claremont McKenna College * National Review *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Revolution and Redistricting Chapter 2 1. Revamping the House of Representatives Chapter 3 2. Tearing Washington's Social Fabric Apart Chapter 4 3. Legislating without a Partnership Chapter 5 4. House Centrists Disappear Chapter 6 5. Reshaping America's Political Map Chapter 7 6. The Road to Redistricting Reform Chapter 8 7. How to Restore Civility to the House Chapter 9 Appendix A: Key Congressional Players Chapter 10 Appendix B: Congressional Speeches

Read more less