American Democracy in Peril: Eight Challenges to Americas Future

Provocative and engaging, this book invites us to reflect on eight major challenges to American democracy today. It is an eye-opening mix of political thought and current issues, raising such hotly debated questions as: In fighting terrorism does our national security state threaten the very democratic rights it is defending? Does the expansion of judicial power in American politics constitute a challenge to our democracy? How does the privileged position of business in our society undermine democracy? Woven throughout Hudson's arguments are contemporary events -- the collapse of Enron and Worldcom, the Supreme Court's involvement in the election 2000, the aftermath of September 11th. In response to each challenge to American democracy Hudson provides a balanced, clear-sighted recommendation for reform. His practical suggestions empower citizens to revitalize American democracy to overcome the perils of complacency and conventional wisdom.