The Supreme Court and the American Elite, 1789-2020

The Supreme Court and the American Elite, 1789–2020, Expanded Second Edition, by Lucas A. Powe, Jr., places the Court and its work in a broader narrative of American history, viewing it as a part of a ruling regime doing its part to implement policies. The book argues that the Court is a majoritarian institution that identifies with and serves ruling political coalitions, and that changes in personnel can change the direction of the Court. The new edition adds two chapters detailing the history of the Court since 2008, including how the Court has changed election law, entered the healthcare controversies, expanded LGBTQ rights, and the 2020 Census controversies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2021
Publisher: University Press of Kansas

The Supreme Court and the American Elite,1789–2020 ,Expanded Second Edition is a comprehensive history of the Court, contextualized within the broader history of the United States and its politics. Unlike traditional books on US history, where the Supreme Court is often treated as a sporadic interruption or where political events occasionally intrude, author Lucas A. Powe, Jr. weaves the Court and its work into a rich narrative of American history. Powe situates the Court within the broader context of history and political science, while remaining faithful to the justices' own perceptions of their work. Instead of viewing the Court as a rival to the other two branches of government, Powe perceives it as a part of a ruling regime, working to implement the regime's policies. Some of the Court's most historically contentious decisions become less controversial when viewed in the context of the political climate of the time. Justices, like other upper-middle-class professional elites, are influenced by the same economic, social, and intellectual currents.

The central theme of the book is that the Court is a majoritarian institution, aligning with and serving ruling political coalitions. The justices, for the most part, are attuned to their times. Furthermore, changes in personnel, with a president having the power to appoint several justices, can significantly impact the direction and decisions of the Court. As a result, the Court and its rul the decisions have become central to presidential politics.

In this expanded second edition, the book includes two chapters that delve into the history of the Court since 2008. These chapters cover a range of topics, including how the Court has altered election law, entered into healthcare controversies, expanded LGBTQ+ rights, and faced controversies related to the 2020 Census. The first new chapter provides a detailed account of these developments, shedding light on the Court's evolving role and impact on American society.

Overall, The Supreme Court and the American Elite,1789–2020 ,Expanded Second Edition offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Court's history, placing it within the broader history of the United States and its politics. Through its detailed analysis and engaging narrative, the book provides valuable insights into the role of the Court in shaping American society and its relationship with the broader political landscape.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 143 x 209 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780700632817