Cover image for Democracy in one book or less : how it works, why it doesn't, and why fixing it is easier than you think
Title:
Democracy in one book or less : how it works, why it doesn't, and why fixing it is easier than you think
Summary:
Here's something true for almost every American. The democracy you live in today is different – completely different – than the democracy you were born into. Since 1980, the number of Americans legally barred from voting has more than doubled. Since the 1990s, your odds of living in a competitive Congressional district have fallen by more than half. In the twenty-first century alone, the amount of money spent on Washington lobbying has increased by more than 100 percent. Meanwhile, new rules in Congress make passing new bills nearly impossible, no matter how popular or bipartisan they are. No wonder it feels like our representatives have stopped representing us. Thanks to changes you never agreed to, and that you probably don't even know about, your slice of power – your say in how your country is run – is smaller than it's ever been. How did this happen? And how can we fix it before it's too late? That's what former Obama speechwriter David Litt set out to answer. Poking into forgotten corners of history, Litt tells the true story of how the world's greatest experiment in democracy went awry. Translating political science into plain English, he explains how our system of government really works. Searching for solutions, he speaks to experts, office-holders, and activists nationwide. He also tries to crash a party at Mitch McConnell's former frat house. It goes poorly. But Democracy in One Book or Less is more than just an engaging narrative. Litt provides a to-do list of meaningful, practical changes – a blueprint for restoring the balance of power in America before it's too late.
Edition:
First edition.
Contents:
The drawing of lots : the non-voters -- Rick versus Ricky : the officially disenfranchised -- The sasquatch hunters : the unofficially disenfranchised -- How to plan a fyre festival : the discouraged -- Take a shit with Irv Litt : the geography of gerrymandering -- Ms. Codfish's classroom : the "great compromise" -- An appendix : the Electoral College -- Old Sheldon : the campaign finance system -- I'm just a doomed bill : the House of Representatives -- The spartan retention of the body's juices : the Senate -- Possum kingdom : the lobbyists -- Slapping Stephen Field : the judges.
Physical Description:
388 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Publisher:
Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers,
Publication Date:
2020
ISBN:
9780062879363
Publication Information:
New York, NY : Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2020]
Call Number:
321.8 LITT
Holds: Copies: