Cover -- Table of Contents -- Preface -- Introduction: Democracy and the Challenges Confronting It -- 1. Democracy, Education and Journalism in American History -- 2. Social/Cultural Challenges to Democracy -- Challenge 1-Education in Need of Renewal -- Challenge 2-Journalism in Free Fall -- Challenge 3-The Shifting World of Ideas -- Challenge 4-Fake News, Alternative Facts and the Assault on Truth -- Challenge 5-Declining Faith in Institutions and Leaders -- Challenge 6-The Need to Revitalize Character and Community -- 3. Political Challenges to Democracy -- Challenge 7-Voters in a Funk
Challenge 8-Polarized Politics -- Challenge 9-Congress Throws out the Textbook -- Challenge 10-The Rise of the New Imperial Presidency -- Challenge 11-Disappearing Norms and General Dysfunction in Politics -- Challenge 12-The Natural Fragility of Democracy -- 4. A Program for Renewal -- Epilogue -- Suggestions for Further Reading -- Chapter Notes -- Bibliography -- Index
Summary
Evidence is accumulating that democracy is under siege--in the United States and around the world. This volume identifies and explains a dozen separate challenges threatening American democracy today. Sorting these challenges into political and social-cultural problems, each is placed in an historical context to describe how they work together to undermine the democratic underpinnings of the nation. Opening with a sketch of the historical development of democracy, this book makes the case for improved civic education, rebuilding trust in institutions and leaders, promoting good character and the revitalization of the healthy community. A renewed commitment to governmental institutions is necessary for the people to fulfill democracy's promise
