Solutions to political polarization in America
By: edited by Nathaniel Persily
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2015
Language: eng
Number of pages: 304
ISBN-13: 9781107087118; 9781107451919
Subjects: Politics and government; Social conflict; Polarization (Social sciences); Right and left (Political science)
Description: "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"--
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction / Nathaniel Persily; title: Causes and consequences of polarization / Michael J. Barber and Nolan McCarty; title: Confronting asymmetric polarization / Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson; title: Polarization and democratization / Arend Lijphart; title: Eroding the electoral foundations of partisan polarization / Gary C. Jacobson; title: Solutions to polarization / Elaine C. Kamarck; title: Geography and gridlock in the United States / Jonathan Rodden; title: Stronger parties as the solution to polarization / Nathaniel Persily; title: Reducing polarization by making parties stronger / Nolan McCarty; title: Focus on political fragmentation, not polarization: re-empower party leadership / Richard H. Pildes; title: Two approaches to lessening the effects of partisanship / Bruce Cain; title: Data science for the people / Adam Bonica; title: Using mobilization, media, and motivation to curb political polarization / Markus Prior and Natalie Jomini Stroud; title: Beyond confrontation and gridlock: making democracy work for the American people / Alan I. Abramowitz; title: American political parties: exceptional no more / David Karol; title: Partisan polarization and the Senate syndrome / Steven S. Smith; title: Finding the center: empowering the latent majority / Russell Muirhead; title: Making deals in Congress / Sarah A. Binder and Frances E. Lee; title: Helping Congress negotiate / Jane Mansbridge; title: Staying private / George C. Edwards, III.