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The Unfinished Story of American Democracy

Greg Foster

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Published in Community As The Material Basis Of Citizenship: The Unfinished Story Of American Democracy (Routledge Studies In Social And Political Thought 74)

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The Unfinished Story of American Democracy is a comprehensive and engaging account of the development of American democracy from its colonial origins to the present day. The author, James W. Loewen, provides a nuanced and balanced analysis of the successes and failures of American democracy, and he offers a timely reminder of the challenges that we face as a nation.

Community as the Material Basis of Citizenship: The Unfinished Story of American Democracy (Routledge Studies in Social and Political Thought Book 74)

by Lauren Rosewarne

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	183 pages

Loewen begins his book by tracing the roots of American democracy back to the English Enlightenment. He argues that the American Revolution was fought not only for independence from Great Britain, but also for the creation of a more democratic society. The Founding Fathers, however, were deeply divided over the meaning of democracy. Some, like Thomas Jefferson, believed that democracy was a natural right that belonged to all citizens. Others, like Alexander Hamilton, believed that democracy was a dangerous form of government that could lead to mob rule. This debate over the nature of democracy has continued to shape American politics ever since.

In the years after the American Revolution, the United States experimented with different forms of democracy. The Articles of Confederation, which were adopted in 1781, created a weak central government with limited powers. The Constitution, which was adopted in 1789, established a stronger central government with more powers. However, the Constitution also included a number of provisions that limited the power of the majority, such as the Bill of Rights and the system of checks and balances.

The American Civil War was a major turning point in the history of American democracy. The war was fought over the issue of slavery, and it resulted in the abolition of slavery and the extension of citizenship rights to African Americans. However, the Civil War also revealed the deep divisions that existed within American society over the issue of race. These divisions have continued to shape American politics ever since.

In the 20th century, the United States made significant progress in expanding the rights of all citizens. The women's suffrage movement won the right to vote for women in 1920. The civil rights movement won major victories in the 1950s and 1960s, including the desegregation of schools and the passage of the Voting Rights Act. However, the United States continues to struggle with issues of racial inequality and discrimination.

In the 21st century, the United States faces a number of challenges to its democracy. These challenges include the rise of political polarization, the decline of trust in government, and the increasing influence of money in politics. However, the United States also has a long history of overcoming challenges and adapting to change. As Loewen argues, "The unfinished story of American democracy is a story of progress and setbacks, of hope and disappointment. But it is a story that is still being written." (p. 414)

The Unfinished Story of American Democracy is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the history of American democracy and the challenges that we face as a nation. Loewen's book is a timely reminder of the importance of democracy and the need to protect it.

A Book With A Blue Cover And White Lettering. The Title Of The Book Is The Unfinished Story Of American Democracy, And The Author Is James W. Loewen. Community As The Material Basis Of Citizenship: The Unfinished Story Of American Democracy (Routledge Studies In Social And Political Thought 74)