Civil society
Subtitle: The underpinnings of American democracy
By: Brian O'Connell ; foreword by John W. Gardner.
Contributors: Gardner, John William, 1912-
Series: Civil Society : historical and contemporary perspectives; Civil society.
Publisher: University Press of New England
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Hanover, NH
Language: eng
Number of pages: 148
Subjects: Political participation -- United States; Civil society -- United States; Voluntarism -- United States; Associations, institutions, etc. -- United States
Description: The book traces the concept and practice of citizens as the primary office holders of government and government's essential responsibility to keep open such freedoms as assembly and association to allow and encourage citizen participation and influence in every aspect of society.

It enumerates the weakening of these essential underpinnings of democracy through indifference, selfishness, loss of confidence in government, governmental limits on citizen participation, the influence of special interests on elected officials, separation between the haves and have nots, intolerance, and incivility.

The volume sets out what can be done "to improve the prospects of an enduring democracy" including a greatly increased role for education in preparing students for their essential roles as citizens, reorientation of public administrators for greater involvement of citizens, and applying what we already know about passing on to future generations the nation's traditions of service and generosity.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-138) and index.