The Mythology of American Politics

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Political, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book The Mythology of American Politics by John T. Bookman, Potomac Books Inc.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John T. Bookman ISBN: 9781612343914
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc. Publication: July 31, 2008
Imprint: Potomac Books Inc. Language: English
Author: John T. Bookman
ISBN: 9781612343914
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc.
Publication: July 31, 2008
Imprint: Potomac Books Inc.
Language: English
In this provocative set of essays, John Bookman delves beneath the transitory issues of the day to identify and respond to the fundamental, perennial questions of American politics. The questions concern the myths that shape the thinking of so many Americans about politics. These myths are the popular narratives that impart meaning to the American experience and define for many what it is to be an American. For the first time, readers have under one cover a sober, informed examination of these myths.

Among the myths subjected to critical examination are the following:

1. The Framers of the Constitution were fundamentalist Christians. Americans at the time of the founding constituted a Christian nation.

2. The Framers were disinterested demigods who wrote a constitution for the ages.

3. James Madison intended separation of powers and checks and balances to protect the general citizenry against government.

4. Constitutional constraints on democratic majorities are necessary to prevent tyranny of the majority.

5. The United States is exceptional. It is more populist, egalitarian, religious, patriotic, and prosperous than other nations.

6. Americans are a chosen people marked out by God or history to carry out a world-historical mission.

7. The unfettered market uses resources more efficiently, better promotes growth, and confers more freedom than other ways of organizing the production and distribution of goods and services.

In his examination of these myths, Bookman does not slight argument in favor of description and explanation. He does not neglect description and explanation, but he enlists them in the service of arguments, and those arguments reach conclusions sure to be controversial.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
In this provocative set of essays, John Bookman delves beneath the transitory issues of the day to identify and respond to the fundamental, perennial questions of American politics. The questions concern the myths that shape the thinking of so many Americans about politics. These myths are the popular narratives that impart meaning to the American experience and define for many what it is to be an American. For the first time, readers have under one cover a sober, informed examination of these myths.

Among the myths subjected to critical examination are the following:

1. The Framers of the Constitution were fundamentalist Christians. Americans at the time of the founding constituted a Christian nation.

2. The Framers were disinterested demigods who wrote a constitution for the ages.

3. James Madison intended separation of powers and checks and balances to protect the general citizenry against government.

4. Constitutional constraints on democratic majorities are necessary to prevent tyranny of the majority.

5. The United States is exceptional. It is more populist, egalitarian, religious, patriotic, and prosperous than other nations.

6. Americans are a chosen people marked out by God or history to carry out a world-historical mission.

7. The unfettered market uses resources more efficiently, better promotes growth, and confers more freedom than other ways of organizing the production and distribution of goods and services.

In his examination of these myths, Bookman does not slight argument in favor of description and explanation. He does not neglect description and explanation, but he enlists them in the service of arguments, and those arguments reach conclusions sure to be controversial.

More books from Potomac Books Inc.

Cover of the book Terrorism by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book Korean Unification by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book After the Taliban by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book Neither Victor nor Vanquished by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book On-Scene Commander by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book Defiant Failed State by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book The Politics of Gratitude: Scale, Place & Community in a Global Age by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book Directors of Central Intelligence as Leaders of the U.S. Intelligence Community, 1946û2005 by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book The Banality of Suicide Terrorism: The Naked Truth About the Psychology of Islamic Suicide Bombing by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book God's Samurai by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book The NYPD's First Fifty Years by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book Next of Kin by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book The Forgotten Soldier by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book Hitler's Ambivalent AttachT by John T. Bookman
Cover of the book Human Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and National Leadership: A Practical Guide by John T. Bookman
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