Democracy: A Case Study, Paperback

Description

To all who say our democracy is broken―riven by partisanship, undermined by extremism, corrupted by wealth―history offers hope. In nearly every generation since the nation's founding, critics have lodged similar complaints, and yet the nation is still standing. In Democracy: A Case Study, David Moss reveals that the United States has often thrived on conflict.

Democracy's nineteen cases were honed in David Moss's popular course at the Harvard Business School and are now being taught in high schools across the country. Each one presents readers with a pivotal moment in U.S. history and raises questions facing key decision makers at the time: Should the delegates support Madison's proposal for a congressional veto over state laws? Should President Lincoln resupply Fort Sumter? Should Florida lawmakers approve or reject the Equal Rights Amendment?

Readers are asked to weigh the choices and consequences, wrestle with hard decisions, and come to their own conclusions. Moss invites us to engage in the passionate debates that are crucial to a healthy society.

"This absolutely splendid book is a triumph on every level. A first-rate history of the United States, it is beautifully written, deeply researched, and filled with entertaining stories. For anyone who wants to see our democracy flourish, this is the book to read."
--Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals

"Engagingly written, well researched, rich in content and context...Moss believes that fierce political conflicts can be constructive if they are mediated by shared ideals."
―Glenn C. Altschuler, Huffington Post