Provides the entire chronology of the post-election confusion, including essays and commentary from leading newspaper columnists, political commentators, and law professors, as well as text from the numerous court cases. (view table of contents)

America is experiencing a boom of voluntarism and civic mindedness. Community groups are working together to clean up their cities and neighborhoods. People are rejoining churches, civic associations, and Little Leagues. And, at every opportunity, local and national leaders are exhorting citizens to pitch in and do their part.Why has the concept of a civil society--an entire nation of communities, associations, civic and religious groups, and individuals all working toward the common good--become so popular? Why is so much hope being invested in the voluntary sector? Why is a civil society so important to us?This book looks at the growing debate over the rise, importance, and consequences of civil society. E.J. Dionne puts the issues of the debate in perspective and explains the deep-rooted developments that are reflected in civil society's revival. Alan Wolfe and Jean Bethke Elshtain discuss reasons why the idea of a civil society is important today. Theda Skocpol and William A. Schambra offer two opposing viewpoints on where successful voluntary civic action originates--nationally or at the local grass roots. John J. DiIulio Jr. shines a light on the success of faith-based programs in the inner-city, and Bruce Katz studies the problems caused by concentrated poverty in those same neighborhoods. Jane Eisner underscores the extent to which the volunteer sector needs organization and support to effectively complete its work. Other contributors include Bill Bradley, William A. Galston, and Gertrude Himmelfarb. (view table of contents)

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Product Description: The United States has been described as a nation with the soul of a church. Religion is discussed more explicitly and more urgently in American politics than in the public debates of any other wealthy democracy. It is certain to play an important role in the elections of 2004...read more

Product Description: Foreword by Jean Bethke ElshtainThis important book is sure to foster informed public discussion about the death penalty by deepening readers' understanding of how religious beliefs and perspectives shape thiscontentious issue. Featuring a fair, balanced appraisal of its topic, Religion and the Death Penalty brings thoughtful religious reflection to bear on current challenges facing thecapital justice system...read more

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A portrait of today's political arena charges that the Bush administration used September 11 to politicize national security issues for partisan advantage and that the Democratic party has failed to make productive contributions to the war in Iraq. 60,000 first printing.

The author of Why Americans Hate Politics pinpoints four concerns of Americans today--economics, politics, morality, and America's world role--arguing that Democratic incompetence is behind the current surge in Republican dominance and that progressive reform is the only answer. Reprint. NYT. (view table of contents)

Product Description: Public rhetoric in the United States has always laid heavy stress on the obligations of citizenship. Bill Clinton praised the idea of service, and so does George W. Bush. Since September 11, the debate over service and the obligations of citizenship has become even more urgent...read more

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Analyzes apathy in American politics, arguing that name-calling and rhetoric have clouded the issues