Solutions to political polarization in America / edited by Nathaniel Persily.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Persily, Nathaniel, editor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Polarization (Social sciences)--United States.

Polarization (Social sciences).

Right and left (Political science).

United States--Politics and government.

United States.

Politics and government.

Social conflict--United States.

Social conflict.

Right and left (Political science)--United States.

Physical Description:

xi, 304 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2015.

Summary:

"This volume assembles several of the nation's top analysts of polarization in American politics. However, unlike the many other volumes written on this subject, this book focuses on solutions to polarization. As such, it necessarily takes these authors, who more often analyze causes and consequences than propose remedies, out of their comfort zone. Debunking conventional wisdom and warning of unintended consequences tend to be more valuable coins in the realm of political science. The professional risks usually exceed the rewards of sticking out one's neck to suggest, with admittedly incomplete information, reforms that might address the most serious policy challenges of the day. We are, therefore, very thankful for the Hewlett Foundation, which helped alter the cost-benefit calculus and support a conference that produced the papers for this volume"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: 1. Introduction Nathaniel Persily; 2. Causes and consequences of polarization Michael Barber and Nolan McCarty; 3. Confronting asymmetric polarization Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson; Part I. Reforming the Electoral System: 4. Polarization and democratization Arend Lijphart; 5. Eroding the electoral foundations of partisan polarization Gary C. Jacobson; 6. Solutions to polarization Elaine C. Kamarck; 7. Geography and gridlock in the United States Jonathan Rodden; Part II. Strengthening Parties: 8. Parties as the solution to polarization Nathaniel Persily; 9. Reducing polarization by making parties stronger Nolan McCarty; 10. Focus on political fragmentation, not polarization: re-empower party leadership Richard H. Pildes; 11. Two approaches to lessening the effects of partisanship Bruce Cain; Part III. Empowering and Informing Moderate Voters: 12. Data science for the people Adam Bonica; 13. Using mobilization, media, and motivation to curb political polarization Markus Prior and Natalie Jomini Stroud; Part IV. Lowering Barriers to Policy Making: 14. Beyond confrontation and gridlock: making democracy work for the American people Alan I. Abramowitz; 15. American political parties: exceptional no more David Karol; 16. Partisan polarization and the Senate syndrome Steven S. Smith; 17. Finding the center Russell Muirhead; Part V. Fostering Negotiation: 18. Making deals in Congress Sarah A. Binder and Frances E. Lee; 19. Helping Congress negotiate Jane Mansbridge; 20. Staying private George C. Edwards, III.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781107087118

1107087112

1107451914

9781107451919

OCLC:

894539861

Online:

Cover image