The Law of Democracy: Legal Structure of the Political Process

This book is a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the law of democracy in the United States,covering key topics such as the Voting Rights Act, campaign finance, and voter access. It reflects the current state of democracy in the U.S. and abroad and includes a revised legal environment following recent changes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 1329 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2022
Publisher: West Academic Publishing

This groundbreaking book revolutionized the field of democracy law, providing a comprehensive and systematic exploration of the legal framework that underpins American democracy. In this revised edition, the authors have taken into account the challenging state of democracy both in the United States and around the world. The book now features a fresh perspective, with the inclusion of Franita Tolson and Nathaniel Persily, who bring their expertise to the table.

The legal landscape has undergone a significant transformation due to a multitude of factors. The radical reconfiguration of the Voting Rights Act, the rise of social media as a powerful tool for political communication, and the circumvention of traditional campaign finance channels have all contributed to a changed legal environment. Moreover, the increasing fragmentation of political parties has further complicated the political landscape.

One of the most pressing issues in the current political climate is the right to register and vote. This right, which was once considered a historical inquiry, has now become a focal point of legal challenges. The book delves into the complexities of voter registration and election procedures, highlighting the legal challenges that individuals and groups face in exercising their democratic rights.

The revised edition of this book expands its coverage of the Voting Rights Act, providing a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of this critical legislation. It also delves into the broader issues of campaign finance and political corruption, exploring the legal implications of these practices on democratic governance. The section on election litigation and remedies has been expanded to address the growing range of legal challenges to election results.

Furthermore, the book isolates the distinct problems associated with presidential elections, ranging from the legal conflicts surrounding Bush v. Gore to the unique challenges posed by the 2020 presidential elections. It also examines the renewed focus on the Electoral Count Act, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the legitimacy of election outcomes.

The basic structure of the book remains unchanged, following the historical development of the individual right to vote, the struggles over gerrymandering, the relationship between the state and political parties, the constitutional and policy issues surrounding campaign-finance reform, and the tension between majority rule and fair representation of minorities in democratic bodies.

In conclusion, this revised edition of the book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the legal foundations. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in the United States and around the world. By examining the legal framework that underpins American democracy, the book offers insights into the mechanisms that can be used to promote and protect democratic values.

Weight: 1297g
Dimension: 254 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781684677900
Edition number: 6 Revised edition