Strengthening American Democracy - Reflection, Action, and Reform

Many experts have observed a world-wide trend toward 'democratic deconsolidation,' reflected in America through declining trust in government at all levels and the rise of authoritarian thinking. The trend is rooted in extreme partisan polarization, which serves as fertile soil for the rise of anti-democratic movements and tendencies. This book aims to combat that disturbing trajectory, offering readers the tools to engage in and aspire toward a more responsive and accountable democracy. Its 46 brief and accessible articles outline a number of institutional, structural, process-oriented, and policy-related challenges to American democracy. In most cases, specific proposals for reform are discussed, encouraging the reader to think about how to make tangible progress towards a 'more perfect Union.'Table of ContentPrefacePart I: Democratic Deconsolidation and American DemocracyIs American Democracy at Death's Door?Strong InstitutionsShared StoriesProgress is ProgressiveBut, it's a "Republic'' is No Excuse for Anti-Democratic Action and Illiberal ResistanceA Word About Mechanisms of Reform-Constitutional Amendments v. Other OptionsPart II: America's Democratic Aspirations Under Stress1. Still Believe in the American Dream?2. Voting Rights-The Fundamental Basis of Our Democracy--Are Under Siege3. Confirmation Bias Hurts Our Democracy4. Facts Matter, But Do They Speak for Themselves?5. Incivility in American Politics6. America's Ideological Polarization Affects More Than Our Politics7. Changes in Trust Hurting Democracy8. Truth in Politics Can Be Rare, But Critical to Democracy9. Getting Along in an Era of Negative Partisanship10. The Fallacy of Absolute Freedom11. Taking Stock of the Power of the PeoplePart III: Reforming Institutions12. Looking at the Health of our Two-Party System13. Reform or Eliminate the Electoral College14. Gap in What Voters Want and What Politicians Do15. American Federalism-Blessing and Curse16. The People's House is Too Small17. Let's Consider Pros and Cons of Congressional Term Limits18. Is American Democracy is Being Filibustered to Death?19. Should We Reform the Senate to Make Congress More Responsive to the People?20. Passing on the Power of Appointments: Reforming the Broken Administrative Appointment-Confirmation Process21. Executive Clemency Part of Justice Reform22. The (Un)Supreme Court: Time to Reform?23. Bureaucracy Has Vital Constitutive Role in American Democracy; Citizens Can Help Shape Its Power24. Weakened Government is the Problem25. Local Government in the Twilight ZonePart IV: Reforming Democratic Processes and Procedures26. Protests Are Necessary, but Insufficient, for Lasting Political Change27. Should We Consider Mandatory Voting?28. All Hail the Faithless Elector(s) from Texas! (Well, Maybe Not)29. Improving the Presidential Nominating Process30. Both Parties Should Embrace Changes to the Presidential Primary Schedule31. How a Close Presidential Election Could Trigger a Constitutional Crisis32. Fix Partisan Gerrymandering to Reduce Gridlock and Extremism33. Freedom Caucus Shows Corrosive Effects of Gerrymandering34. Direct Democracy Has Its Challenges, But Remains a Key Mechanism for Change35. If Corporations Are People, Tell Us Who They Are36. Government Nudges Influence Conduct, So Should They Be Used More Often?37. Lawmakers Stoke Distrust to Justify Voting Restrictions38. Overcoming 'Political Hobbyism' Through ActivismPart V: How America Survives: Reflection, Action, and Reform39. Good Citizenship-What Does it Mean to You?40. Can America's Center Be Rebuilt?41. Independents and the Value of Political Talk42. To Strengthen Democracy, Start Small, Think Big43. Does Our Democracy Measure Up?44. Can We Americans Overcome Ourselves?45. We the People: How America Survives46. Being Gardeners of Our CommunitiesConclusion: There is Work to Do-TogetherBiographical NoteJohn R. Baker is Professor of Political Science at Wittenberg University. He has written and edited several books on American politics, including Government in the Twilight Zone: Volunteers to Small-City Boards and Commissions and Readings on American Subnational Government.