explores the clash between the democratic aspirations of the American people and the republican foundations of our Constitution. Written with a lively, narrative style this text traces the storyline of American government and examines the coexistence of Americans' strong democratic aspirations with the republican constitutional framework-designed to constrain popular influence. By drawing students into this story and highlighting the tension between these competing elements of American government, this text helps students understand the "democratic republic." As a result, the author hopes to diminish student apathy, quell cynicism, and inspire their reengagement in civic life. The "Penguin Academics" series offers accessibly written, elegantly designed, and highly affordable trade-format books by pre-eminent scholars.

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