At this moment in history over 62% of the world's human population live in nations with at least some trappings of democratic rule. This is an amazing turn of events when one considers that in 1900 there were no nations wherein all citizens had the right to vote in free elections. Not even such long-standing democracies as the United States and Great Britain allowed women to vote at that time. Now, a century later, democracy appears to be a vibrant political force in the world. Alex Woolf traces the evolution of democratic principles from their emergence in ancient Greece to the present day. This illustrated work is part ...
At this moment in history over 62% of the world's human population live in nations with at least some trappings of democratic rule. This is an amazing turn of events when one considers that in 1900 there were no nations wherein all citizens had the right to vote in free elections. Not even such long-standing democracies as the United States and Great Britain allowed women to vote at that time. Now, a century later, democracy appears to be a vibrant political force in the world. Alex Woolf traces the evolution of democratic principles from their emergence in ancient Greece to the present day. This illustrated work is part of a series titled "Systems of Government." True to the series, the book is set up in a way that allows readers to finish it with a much firmer grasp of its subject matter. In this sound book, its author points out not only the strengths of democratic institutions but also the threats to them. Topics such as voter apathy, distrust of political agents, lobbying, and the pernicious impact of multi-national corporations all are factors that militate against the smooth functioning of democratic societies. Yet, as the author of this intelligent book documents, democracy appears to be a favored political choice for many people in this day and age. This is a worthwhile book and one that students of political science will appreciate. 2006, World Almanac Library, Ages 12 up.
—Greg M. Romaneck
School Library Journal
Gr 6-9-These titles describe four primary forms of government. Specific examples, both from large and small countries and from many periods in history, help to clarify the definitions and highlight the small differences that exist even among similar governments. Most importantly, the authors note throughout how governments have changed over time and the influences that have affected such change, Russia being an excellent example. Some inconsistencies and overlapping information are apparent in the four volumes, as both Dowswell and Grant discuss Joseph Stalin and Fidel Castro in some depth, which could be confusing to students who might then equate communism with dictatorship. Woolf mentions Myanmar, which has a brutal dictatorship, as a "struggling democracy," but it is never discussed in Dowswell's book. These titles would be more useful as a single volume, thus eliminating any discrepancies. The writing is generally clear, but occasionally lapses into lengthy explanations become convoluted. Historical and contemporary photographs offer visual reference for specific people or points of interest, and small sidebars are particularly interesting and helpful.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Product dimensions: 7.40 (w) x 9.80 (h) x 0.20 (d)
Customer Reviews
Be the first to write a review
( 0 )
Rating Distribution
5 Star
(0)
4 Star
(0)
3 Star
(0)
2 Star
(0)
1 Star
(0)
Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules
Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked,
or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to
Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original
and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you
and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not
violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help
ensure that your review can be posted.
Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13
We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer.
However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or
to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
What to exclude from your review:
Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the
information on the product page, please send us an email.
Reviews should not contain any of the following:
- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation
Reminder:
- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its
sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the
review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly
those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com
also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend
Create a Pen Name
penname is available!
By visiting the BN.com website or marking a purchase on BN.com, a User is deemed to have accepted the
Terms of Use.
Editorial Reviews
Children's Literature
At this moment in history over 62% of the world's human population live in nations with at least some trappings of democratic rule. This is an amazing turn of events when one considers that in 1900 there were no nations wherein all citizens had the right to vote in free elections. Not even such long-standing democracies as the United States and Great Britain allowed women to vote at that time. Now, a century later, democracy appears to be a vibrant political force in the world. Alex Woolf traces the evolution of democratic principles from their emergence in ancient Greece to the present day. This illustrated work is part ...