Disconnect : the breakdown of representation in American politics / Morris P. Fiorina with Samuel J. Abrams.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Fiorina, Morris P.

Contributor:

Abrams, Samuel J., 1980-

Series:

Julian J. Rothbaum distinguished lecture series ; v. 11.

The Julian J. Rothbaum distinguished lecture series ; v. 11

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political parties--United States.

Political parties.

United States.

Representative government and representation--United States.

Representative government and representation.

Culture conflict--United States.

Culture conflict.

Politics and culture--United States.

Politics and culture.

United States--Politics and government--1989-.

Politics and government.

Physical Description:

xxi, 249 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm.

Place of Publication:

Norman : University of Oklahoma Press, [2009]

Summary:

Red states, blue states . . . are we no longer the United States? Morris P. Fiorina here examines today's party system to reassess arguments about party polarization while offering a cogent overview of the American electorate. Building on the arguments of Fiorina's acclaimed Culture War? The Myth of a Polarized America, this book explains how contemporary politics differs from that of previous eras and considers what might be done to overcome the unproductive politics of recent decades. Drawing on polling results and other data, Fiorina examines the disconnect between an unrepresentative "political class" and the citizenry it purports to represent, showing how politicians have become more polarized while voters remain moderate; how politicians' rhetoric and activities reflect hot-button issues that are not public priorities; and how politicians' dogmatic, divisive, and uncivil style of "debate" contrasts with the more civil discourse of ordinary Americans, who tend to be more polite and open to compromise than their leaders. Disconnect depicts politicians out of touch with the larger public, distorting issues and information to appeal to narrow interest groups. It can help readers better understand the political divide between leaders and the American public--and help steer a course for change.

Contents:

Chapter 1 A Disconnect in Political Positions 3

Chapter 2 Disconnects in Priorities, Certainty, and Style 24

Chapter 3 Popular Misconceptions of Polarization 49

Chapter 4 Institutional Contributors to the Disconnect 75

Chapter 5 Social Change and Party Sorting 99

Chapter 6 Suburbs, New Interest Groups, and Political Adaptation 122

Chapter 7 The Disconnect: How Unusual? How Bad? 139

Chapter 8 Reconnecting the People and Their Government 162.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 197-235) and index.

ISBN:

9780806140742

0806140747

OCLC:

370387663