Democracy and Dysfunction

The American political system is deeply dysfunctional, with only a quarter of Americans believing the country is heading in the right direction and 63% believing we are on a downward slope. Donald Trump's rise to power and 2016 Electoral College victory highlighted the issue, but the extreme polarization of contemporary politics suggests the outlook would have been grim even if Hillary Clinton had won. Democracy and Dysfunction, a book by Sanford Levinson and Jack M. Balkin, seeks to uncover the underlying causes of the current crisis and its meaning for American democracy. Levinson believes the Constitution is fundamentally defective and argues for a new constitutional convention, while Balkin argues for less radical solutions. It is imperative to understand how we got here and how to forestall the next demagogue who will seek to beguile the American public.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2019
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The American political system has undeniably reached a state of profound dysfunction, a fact that is no longer subject to debate. Presently, a mere quarter of Americans hold the belief that the nation is moving in a positive direction, while a staggering sixty-three percent perceive a downward trajectory. The most commonly used words to describe the past year are chaotic, turbulent, and disastrous. The rise of Donald Trump to power and his victory in the 2016 Electoral College have further highlighted the deep-rooted issues plaguing American politics. However, even in the absence of Hillary Clinton's victory, the outlook would have been bleak due to the extreme polarization prevalent in contemporary politics. The 2016 presidential election represents just a symptom of the deeper problems afflicting political culture and constitutional design.

In an urgent and much-needed conversation, Democracy and Dysfunction brings together two of the foremost constitutional law scholars of our time, Sanford Levinson and Jack M. Balkin. This book seeks to uncover the underlying causes of our current crisis and its profound implications for American democracy. Through a series of letters exchanged over a period of two years, Levinson and Balkin, along with the rest of the country, navigate through the tumultuous events of the 2016 election and Trump's first year in office. While they may differ in their assessment of the scope of the crisis and the appropriate remedies, their dialogue is crucial in understanding the complexities of our current predicament.

Levinson, a proponent of a new constitutional convention, argues that the Constitution itself is fundamentally flawed and in need of significant reform. He believes that a fresh constitutional convention is the only way to address the numerous issues that have plagued American politics for decades. On the other hand, Balkin, who views the problem as constitutional rot, advocates for less radical solutions. He suggests that the Constitution can be revitalized through measures such as constitutional amendments, judicial interpretation, and political reform.

As the consequences of this pivotal period continue to unfold, it becomes increasingly imperative that we gain a deeper understanding of how we arrived at this juncture and explore potential strategies to prevent similar crises in the future. The insights and perspectives offered by Levinson and Balkin in Democracy and Dysfunction provide a valuable roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead future. By engaging in a thoughtful and constructive dialogue, we can work towards.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 178 x 159 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226612041