United States Constitutions - Federal & State, U.S. Constitution, U.S. Politics - Public Affairs & Administration, U.S. Politics & Government - General & Miscellaneous

A Republic, If You Can Keep It

Name: A Republic, If You Can Keep It
Author: William L. Morrow
ISBN: 9780130950673

by William L. Morrow

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Overview

Helping readers understand the relevance of constitutional politics to their everyday lives, this probing study highlights the seemingly permanent and significant connection between constitutional principles, the way they are exploited by politicians, and how they shape the character of public policy. Presents an orderly, congruous study, linking policy processes and results to an institutional and political framework familiar to most readers from earlier studies in American government. Discusses how government institutions and ideas created or inspired by the Constitution have a distinct impact on both policy processes and policy results; how political forces often exploit the Constitution and its structural, ideological, and political byproducts to influence public policy; and how the manipulation of this form of "constitutional politicsø has shed a destructive light on contemporary politics and government. Covers such recent events as the Clinton impeachment and trial, the impact of special prosecutors on the strength and behavior of policy institutions, and how the rush to redefine and expand the meaning of constitutional rights impacts policy processes and outputs negatively. For those in public policy, public administration, or government, or for anyone interested in how the Constitution has affected the American governmental structure and policymaking.

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Booknews

Attempting to fill the void he sees in existing texts on American politics and public policy, Morrow (political science, College of William and Mary) emphasizes the influence of the Constitution on both politics and policy making in the United States. He analyzes the role of the Constitution in shaping democratic theory, explores how political parties and the media use constitutional principles to amplify their influence on public opinion and policy decisions, and investigates how policy making institutions flavor their business with constitutional doctrine. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)