Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"By highlighting the lessons of a generation ago, when US cities navigated the transition to multiracial democracy, Simpson has composed a self-proclaimed 'manifesto' to examine how what we have learned locally might help us nationally." --
Perspectives on Politics"
Democracy’s Rebirth . . . is about politics, justice and democracy in a very down-to-earth manner. Simpson isn’t only an expert on sausage-making. He also knows how the mechanisms of government and policy work—and how they should work—so he goes into the nitty-gritty of what has been going wrong with democracy in the United States and offers very detailed how-to instructions for bringing the nation’s democratic process back to full health. But his ultimate focus is on the importance of individual Americans." --
Third Coast Review"Simpson’s book provides a thorough diagnosis for what’s gone wrong with the country’s democratic ideals." --
NewCity"His proposals represent nothing short of the rebirth of our democracy on both a local level and the national level--values that I have personally fought for in my mayoral campaign and administration.
Democracy’s Rebirth: The View from Chicago helps illuminate both our past and our way forward toward a government and society that are more fair, equitable, and effective for all its residents, and a successful future that we can all equally engage and benefit from."--Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, from the Foreword
"Dick Simpson, a friend and colleague for many years, writes from real-life experience. As a former Chicago alderman and political scientist, he knows what he is writing about in
Democracy’s Rebirth. He helps us see a better future."--Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
Table of ContentsForeword LORI LIGHTFOOT ix
1 Challenges to Democracy 1
2 The Rise and Fall of Democracy 7
3 Income and Racial Inequality 21
4 Money in Politics 43
5 Nonparticipation 61
6 Polarization and the Politics of Resentment 83
7 Corruption 105
8 Structural Problems 123
9 Cascading Crises 151
10 Deliberative Democracy 165
11 Spirit of Democracy 193
Acknowledgments 211
Notes 213
Index 243
