By Larry J. Sabato. The author analyzes a variety of problems in the way the government works, and then proposes constitutional amendments worth debating. Among the topics: election reforms, House and Senate procedures, presidential and congressional term limits, presidential war powers, the line-item veto, a balanced-budget amendment, term limits for judges, an even number of Supreme Court justices (eliminating the "swing vote"), and universal national service. A "lively, conversational tone and compelling examples make the reader a more than willing student for this updated civics lesson," writes Jackie Kucinich in
The Hill. Teacher resource. Index. Bibliography. Source notes. Walker. 342 pages. ©2007.
"A reluctance to engage in public discussions that might challenge the prevailing view of the Constitution as a sacred document will doubtless inhibit debate on Mr. Sabato's proposals. This is not to say that they should all be adopted. But without a public discussion of proposals like this, too many American citizens will be unable to understand the virtues and problems of our Constitution and how it might be improved."
Robert A. Dahl, New York Times"a fascinating and thought-provoking analysis."
Glenn Harlan Reynolds, Philadelphia Inquirer