Introduction: models of democracy
Precursors to modern democratic theory
Protective democracy
Developmental democracy
Pluralist democracy
Participatory democracy
The models compared
Suggestions for further reading
1. The first challenge : separation of powers
The founders' work
The Jeffersonian model
The separation of powers and democratic values
The parliamentary alternative
Meeting the challenge : bridge the separation of powers
Thought questions
Suggestions for further reading
Selected Web sites
2. The second challenge : the imperial judiciary
The least democratic branch
A brief history of judicial review
Two cases of judicial usurpation
Can judicial review be made consistent with democracy?
The judicialization of American politics as a challenge to democracy
Meeting the challenge : revitalize American democracy
Thought questions
Suggestions for further reading
Selected Web sites
3. The third challenge : radical individualism
Individualism in the American tradition
American "habits of the heart"
The flaws of libertarianism
Our pathological politics of rights and interests
The failed opportunity to build community after 9/11
Meeting the challenge : balance rights with responsibilities
Thought questions
Suggestions for further reading
Selected Web sites
4. The fourth challenge : citizen participation
Citizen participation and democratic theory
Citizen political participation
Signs of civic disengagement
The new citizen activism
Participation as a challenge to democracy
Meeting the challenge : more, not less, participation
Thought questions
Suggestions for further reading
Selected Web sites
5. The fifth challenge : trivialized elections
Equal representation
Deliberation
Control
Meeting the challenge : reform electoral institutions, promote democratic deliberation
Thought questions
Suggestions for further reading
Selected Web sites
6. The sixth challenge : the "privileged position" of business
American politics as pluralist heaven
Business : the "privileged" group
Why business privilege is a threat to democracy
Objections to the privileged-position-of-business thesis
Meeting the challenge : democratic action to reduce business privilege
Thought questions
Suggestions for further reading
Selected Web sites
7. The seventh challenge : inequality
Equality and democratic theory
The end of the American dream?
The persistence of racial inequality
Economic inequality's challenge to democracy
Meeting the challenge : policies to promote equality
Thought questions
Suggestions for further reading
Selected Web sites
8. The eighth challenge : the national security state
The burgeoning of the national security state
Secrecy
Centralization
Repression
Distortion
Meeting the challenge : reform to achieve true security
Thought questions
Suggestions for further reading
Selected Web sites.