Our Undemocratic Constitution

Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (And How We the People Can Correct It)

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, Constitutional, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Our Undemocratic Constitution by Sanford Levinson, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Sanford Levinson ISBN: 9780199885718
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: September 28, 2006
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Sanford Levinson
ISBN: 9780199885718
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: September 28, 2006
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Levinson argues that too many of our Constitution's provisions promote either unjust or ineffective government. Under the existing blueprint, we can neither rid ourselves of incompetent presidents nor assure continuity of government following catastrophic attacks. Less important, perhaps, but certainly problematic, is the appointment of Supreme Court judges for life. Adding insult to injury, the United States Constitution is the most difficult to amend or update of any constitution currently existing in the world today. Democratic debate leaves few stones unturned, but we tend to take our basic constitutional structures for granted. Levinson boldly challenges the American people to undertake a long overdue public discussion on how they might best reform this most hallowed document and construct a constitution adequate to our democratic values. "Admirably gutsy and unfashionable." --Michael Kinsley, The New York Times "Bold, bracingly unromantic, and filled with illuminating insights. He accomplishes an unlikely feat, which is to make a really serious argument for a new constitutional convention, one that is founded squarely on democratic ideals." --Cass R. Sunstein, The New Republic "Everyone who cares about how our government works should read this thoughtful book." --Washington Lawyer

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Levinson argues that too many of our Constitution's provisions promote either unjust or ineffective government. Under the existing blueprint, we can neither rid ourselves of incompetent presidents nor assure continuity of government following catastrophic attacks. Less important, perhaps, but certainly problematic, is the appointment of Supreme Court judges for life. Adding insult to injury, the United States Constitution is the most difficult to amend or update of any constitution currently existing in the world today. Democratic debate leaves few stones unturned, but we tend to take our basic constitutional structures for granted. Levinson boldly challenges the American people to undertake a long overdue public discussion on how they might best reform this most hallowed document and construct a constitution adequate to our democratic values. "Admirably gutsy and unfashionable." --Michael Kinsley, The New York Times "Bold, bracingly unromantic, and filled with illuminating insights. He accomplishes an unlikely feat, which is to make a really serious argument for a new constitutional convention, one that is founded squarely on democratic ideals." --Cass R. Sunstein, The New Republic "Everyone who cares about how our government works should read this thoughtful book." --Washington Lawyer

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Waste Crisis by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book The Global Pain Crisis by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book The American Revolution by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Queer Aging by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Mobilizing for Peace by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book When Children Refuse School by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Faith-Based Diplomacy by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Bismarck:A Life by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Black Beauty - With Audio Level 4 Oxford Bookworms Library by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book The Bosnian Muslims in the Second World War by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Making Ballet American by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Animals by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book The Hopkins Touch: Harry Hopkins and the Forging of the Alliance to Defeat Hitler by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Russian Identities by Sanford Levinson
Cover of the book Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Disembodied Torso by Sanford Levinson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy