Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents a self-contained and accessible economic analysis of American politics. Chapters address voters, political parties, the media, Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court. Maurer explains how the Framers' design usually encourages moderation – but can also veer into the kind of dangerously divisive politics we know today.
Trade Review'Stephen Maurer addresses the challenge of current American political polarization by assuming the Framers of the US Constitution made accurate diagnoses of the problem but prescriptions that need updating in the light of modern social science. This approach yields insights that will intrigue students of political institutions everywhere.' Paul Seabright, Toulouse School of Economics, author of The Company of Strangers: A Natural History of Economic Life
'Whither American democracy in this age of polarization? How has the institutional design of the 1780s played through the history since? How have we been theorizing about that design, and how should we be? For one thing, James Madison meet Anthony Downs. But that is not all. Steeped in theory, history, vast scholarship, and alert to current vexations, this book is an invigorating read.' David R. Mayhew, Sterling Professor of Political Science Emeritus, Yale University
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Updating the framers; 2. The people: from individuals to communities; 3. Selling policy: political narratives & ideologies; 4. The public forum: mass media and the web; 5. Mass democracy: political parties and elections; 6. The 'extended republic': communities, states & regions; 7. Making law: the congress; 8. Implementing law: the executive; 9. Interpreting law: the courts; 10. Democracy evolving: the future of American politics.
