political culture

". . . Joseph J. Ellis focuses the conversation on the often-asked question 'What would the Founding Fathers think?' He examines four of our most seminal historical figures through the prism of particular topics, using the perspective of the present to shed light on their views and, in turn, to make clear how their now centuries-old ideas illuminate the disturbing impasse of today's political conflicts. He discusses Jefferson and the issue of racism, Adams and the specter of economic inequality, Washington and American imperialism, Madison and the doctrine of original intent. Through these juxtapositions . . . Ellis illuminates the obstacles and pitfalls paralyzing contemporary discussions of these fundamentally important issues"--Provided by publisher.

"The establishment and evolution of political parties in the United States can be more than a little confusing to today's students. This anthology of essays offers a diverse array of perspectives that explore political parties in America. What purpose do political parties serve? Do they encourage corruption? Why are there only two major parties, and is that why the country is so divided? Given today's volatile political climate, can the United States come together and transcend party politics? Viewpoints written by experts in the field attempt to address these questions, while chapter prefaces and viewpoint introductions provide context"--Provided by publisher.

"A history of the thinkers, writers, and artists who shaped intellectual culture in Cold War Europe and America"--Provided by publisher.

"The democratic ideal demands that the citizenry think critically about matters of public import. Yet many Democrats and Republicans in the United States have fallen short of that standard because political tribalism motivates them to acquire, perceive and evaluate political information in a biased manner. The result is an electorate that is more extreme, hostile and willing to reject unfavorable democratic outcomes. In this work, the author provides a host of actionable strategies that are designed to reduce the influence of political tribalism in our lives. The text includes instructions for plumbing the depths of political views; evaluating sources of political information; engaging in difficult political conversations; appraising political data; and assessing political arguments. The first of its kind, this how-to guide is a must-read for partisans who want to become more critical political thinkers"--.

Richard Haass argues that the very idea of citizenship must be revised and expanded if American democracy is to endure. The Bill of Rights is at the center of our Constitution, yet our most intractable conflicts often emerge from contrasting views as to what our rights ought to be. The ten obligations that Haass introduces here are proposals for healing our divisions and safeguarding the future of our country. Through a blend of civics, history, and political analysis, this book advocates for how Americans can rediscover and recover the attitudes and behaviors that have contributed so much to this country's success over the centuries.

"The New York Times articles collected in this volume cover the defining and redefining of political correctness since its inception, and suggest how this contentious concept may develop into the future"--Provided by publisher.

The congressman who led the first impeachment of Donald Trump, and who became the president's chief antagonist, presents an inside account of American democracy . . . and how its future is more uncertain than ever.

Former foreign correspondent and the Nation Institute fellow Chris Hedges examines why he believes liberal institutions have fallen and failed to protect ordinary citizens.

The two-party system has long characterized American politics, but partisanship as it is understood today is a relatively recent phenomenon. Today, partisanship is not simply based on one's voting record but a totalizing sense of identification with one party over the other. Consequently, the American political climate is more polarized than ever before. Though this fact is often reported with alarm, it may be too soon to determine whether partisanship actually damages democracy. This volume examines what partisanship means today, how this differs from historical partisanship, its contributing factors, and the effect it has on the country.

The 1800 presidential election, the last great contest of the founding period, was so convulsive and so momentous for American democracy that Jefferson would later dub it "America's second revolution." America's first true presidential campaign gave birth to our two-party system and etched the lines of partisanship that have shaped American politics ever since. The contest featured two of our most beloved Founding Fathers, once warm friends, facing off as the heads of their two still-forming parties--the hot-tempered but sharp-minded John Adams, and the eloquent yet enigmatic Thomas Jefferson. Blistering accusations flew: Adams and his elitist Federalists would squelch liberty and impose a British-style monarchy; Jefferson and his radically democratizing Republicans would throw the country into chaos and debase the role of religion in American life. Historian Larson vividly re-creates the tension as Congress was forced to meet in closed session to resolve the outcome.--From publisher description.