Disappearing Center: Engaged Citizens, Polarization, and American Democracy Contributor(s): Abramowitz, Alan I. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0300168292 ISBN-13: 9780300168297 Publisher: Paperbackshop UK Import OUR PRICE: $37.62 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: January 2011 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Political Process - Political Parties - Political Science | Political Process - Campaigns & Elections - Political Science | Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism |
Dewey: 324.273 |
Physical Information: 0.53" H x 5.88" W x 8.92" (0.64 lbs) 208 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Renowned political scientist Alan I. Abramowitz presents a groundbreaking argument that the most important divide in American politics is not between left and right but rather between citizens who are politically engaged and those who are not. It is the engaged members of the public, he argues, who most closely reflect the ideals of democratic citizenship--but this is also the group that is most polarized. Polarization at the highest levels of government, therefore, is not a sign of elites' disconnection from the public but rather of their responsiveness to the more politically engaged parts of it. Though polarization is often assumed to be detrimental to democracy, Abramowitz concludes that by presenting voters with clear choices, polarization can serve to increase the public's interest and participation in politics and strengthen electoral accountability. |