Scan barcode
canadian_goddess's review
5.0
Fantastic book. Walks through the history of democratic institutions throughout the world to explain why democracy is threatened today in America. A must read.
scott_h_119's review against another edition
4.0
Everyone should read this book. Everyone.
This book crystallized everything I've been thinking about democratic reform over the last four years. The only thing it neglects in its proposed reforms is campaign finance reform. I mean I get it, it is really about the constitutional angle on "minority" but there is a powerful minority that has subverted the law in spirit and in fact in regards to campaign finance and that is the wealthiest 1%. So it wouldn't be a stretch to include a chapter on overriding the Citizens United decision out of existence. I'd take back half a star for that omission, but I can't give half stars on this app, so here we are.
READ THIS BOOK.
Recommended for anyone who is both literate and votes.
Or just likes to breathe air for that matter.
This book crystallized everything I've been thinking about democratic reform over the last four years. The only thing it neglects in its proposed reforms is campaign finance reform. I mean I get it, it is really about the constitutional angle on "minority" but there is a powerful minority that has subverted the law in spirit and in fact in regards to campaign finance and that is the wealthiest 1%. So it wouldn't be a stretch to include a chapter on overriding the Citizens United decision out of existence. I'd take back half a star for that omission, but I can't give half stars on this app, so here we are.
READ THIS BOOK.
Recommended for anyone who is both literate and votes.
Or just likes to breathe air for that matter.
cclift1114's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I don’t think I can overstate how important this book is and how much I would strongly recommend it as reading for every single American citizen. This book outlines how we have gotten where we are today in this country with respect to our democracy and clearly delineate the change of we need to make in order to preserve democracy. It looks at the failures and successes within the US, as well as in democracies all around the world. It is frightening to read this book only a year after its publication and realize that the warnings within it have not been heeded with respect to the Trump presidency. I fear how much harder the course correction will be now, but I do appreciate that this book maintains hope and shows that it is still possible.