The Challenge of American Democracy

A History Through Sources
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-20516-6
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 266 Seiten, Format (B × H): 210 mm x 280 mm

The Challenge of American Democracy presents a selection of edited primary source documents, discussion questions, and an interpretive framework to analyze and understand American democracy from the Revolution to the twenty-first century.

Organized chronologically across three historical periods, the sourcebook uses a broad range of texts—including speeches, court decisions, petitions, letters, and the full text of the U.S. Constitution—to engage readers with debates on topics such as citizenship, constitutional design, voting rights, and civic participation. It characterizes democracy in the United States as government of, by, and for the people and uses these criteria to help readers think critically about the development of democracy over time. The workbook format encourages active learning through dedicated spaces for handwritten responses and reflections.

This timely volume meets the need for educational resources to help students understand both the challenges and the opportunities that face American democracy today. It is perfect for introductory and intermediate college courses in history, political science, government, and civic education.

Zielgruppe

Undergraduate Advanced and Undergraduate Core

Autoren/Hrsg.

Volk, Kyle G.

Arcenas, Claire Rydell

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Geschichte
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Weltgeschichte
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Theorie, Politische Philosophie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Studien zu einzelnen Ländern und Gebieten
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Geschichte einzelner Länder Amerikanische Geschichte
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Zentralregierung

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction. Section I: The Formative Era of American Democracy (1776-1865). 1. Revolution & the Republics. 2. Constitution & Citizen. 3. White Man's Democracy & Its Discontents. 4. The Problem of Slavery & Union. Section II: Reconstructing Democracy in Modernizing America (1865-1945). 5. Reconstruction Democracy & The Challenge of Citizenship. 6. Wealth & Power in Industrial America. 7. Modern State & Modern Liberty. 8. Democracy Under Siege; or, A Democracy, If You Can Keep It. Section III: Challenges of the American Century (1945-2000). 9. Cold War Consensus & Conflict. 10. The Politics of Protest. 11. Democracy Polarizing. 12. Beyond the Cold War. Appendix: The Constitution of the United States (1787).

Über Autor(innen)

Kyle G. Volk is Professor of History and co-director of the Democracy Studies Program at the University of Montana, USA. His teaching and scholarship focus on the political, legal, and intellectual history of the United States. He is author of the award-winning book, Moral Minorities and the Making of American Democracy (2014).

Claire Rydell Arcenas is Associate Professor of History at the University of Montana, USA. Her teaching and scholarship focus on the political and intellectual history of the United States. She is author of the award-winning book, America’s Philosopher: John Locke in American Intellectual Life (2022).