How Democratic Is the United States? (Democracy in Action)

Gr 7 Up--In this starkly drawn survey of some chronic problems affecting politics and government in the U.S., the author clearly presents the conflicts and issues at stake and discusses proposals for change with a strong sense of realism as to their effectiveness in action. Beginning with some of the basic elements of democracy, he describes the ``tweedledum/tweedledee'' nature of the two-party system, the corruption generated by special interests, the difficulties of getting legislation through Congress, lack of leadership, and the outright lying of politicians. In discussing available solutions to these problems, he does not choose among the alternatives, but presents brief arguments for or against each. In comparison, the most comprehensive presentation of these issues is American Government (Greenhaven, 1988), which features primary sources and adult-level discussions rather than a thoroughly digested analysis. For those with an interest in the topic, however, Kronenwetter provides a convincing introduction to the current crisis of confidence in our political system.

Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.