Deliberation and the Restoration of America's Democratic Potential: A Primer on American Government

by Elkin Terry Jack, Edward N. Wright

Overview

Deliberation and the Restoration of America's Democratic Potential explains why and how deliberation is the foundation of our democratic way of life, and the impact it has on our political institutions. The book discusses the origins of the Constitution; the use of federalism to enliven our communities; the necessity mediating institutions to aggregate the voice of the people; and the processes of the three branches of government and their connection to American citizens. It concludes with a look into the future of politics and government, urging the reader toward a more active role for the citizen leader. Overall, this work offers a comprehensive view of the American governmental system, one that every citizen can use as a manual when reevaluating his or her role in the practice of politics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761838449
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	08/17/2007
Pages:	170
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.01(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

Elkin Terry Jack taught American government and political science for thirty-four years at Gulf Coast Community College. Long a principal in the College's Citizen Leadership Institute, Professor Jack contributes a weekly political commentary on NPR station WKGC.

Edward N. Wright taught political science and public administration at the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and Florida State University. Professor Wright retired as the Dean and CEO of Florida State University's regional campus in Panama City, Florida in 2005.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Public Talk: A Political Paradigm Reconsidered
Chapter 3 To Form a More Perfect Union: The Constitutional Basis of American Politics
Chapter 4 Federalism and the Need for Communitas
Chapter 5 Political Parties and the Ideal of an Inclusive Public
Chapter 6 The Congress – The Center of the American Constitutional System
Chapter 7 The American Presidency
Chapter 8 The Judiciary
Chapter 9 In Search of a Public Transformation: Community Collaboration and the Origin of Politics
Part 10 About the Authors
Part 11 Index