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Democracy for the Few

By Michael Parenti

9th Edition © 2011
Discipline:Political Science
Course:American Government
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DEMOCRACY FOR THE FEW is a provocative interpretation of American Government. It shows how democracy is repeatedly violated by corporate oligopolies, and how popular forces have fought back and occasionally made gains in spite of the system. By focusing on the relationship between economic power and political power, discussing actual government practices and policies, conspiracies, propaganda, fraud, secrecy and other ploys of government and politics, this book stands apart in its analysis of how US Government works.

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AboutTable of contentsResourcesPricing & formatsRelated products

About this product

DEMOCRACY FOR THE FEW is a provocative interpretation of American Government. It shows how democracy is repeatedly violated by corporate oligopolies, and how popular forces have fought back and occasionally made gains in spite of the system. By focusing on the relationship between economic power and political power, discussing actual government practices and policies, conspiracies, propaganda, fraud, secrecy and other ploys of government and politics, this book stands apart in its analysis of how US Government works.

A unique interpretation of American capitalism, this compelling and well-documented critique of the political status quo offers students an alternative interpretation of the interplay between democracy and capitalism.

This unique text challenges the assumptions of traditional American Government texts. In chapters such as "Wealth and Want in the United States," "A Constitution for the Few," and "The Supremely Political Court," the ways in which political organizations, the economy, and society itself inform and control access to power, wealth, class, and institutions are examined.

28 controversial political cartoons enhance students' understanding of the issues inherent in American culture.

An internationally known author and progressive political analyst, Michael Parenti is a leading voice among political progressives. In this text, he helps students appreciate their freedom to question government actions and encourages them to do so.

Table of contents

Chapters

Contents
Preface
About the Author
CHAPTER 1: Partisan Politics*Preview this chapter
CHAPTER 2: A Constitution for the Few
CHAPTER 3: Rise of the Corporate State
CHAPTER 4: Wealth and Want in the United States
CHAPTER 5: Institutions and Ideologies
CHAPTER 6: Politics: Who Gets What?
CHAPTER 7: Health and Human Services: Sacrificial Lambs
CHAPTER 8: The Last Environment
CHAPTER 9: Unequal before the Law
CHAPTER 10: Political Repression and National Insecurity
CHAPTER 11: The U.S. Global Military Empire
CHAPTER 12: Who Governs? Elites, Labor, and Globalization
CHAPTER 13: Mass Media: For the Many, by the Few
CHAPTER 14: Voters, Parties, and Stolen Elections
CHAPTER 15: Congress: The Pocketing of Power
CHAPTER 16: The President: Guardian of the System
CHAPTER 17: The Political Economy of Bureaucracy
CHAPTER 18: The Supremely Political Court
CHAPTER 19: Democracy for the Few
Acknowledgments
Notes
Index
Show more

CHAPTER 1: Partisan PoliticsPreview this chapter ↗

BEYOND TEXTBOOKS ↗
THE POLITICO-ECONOMIC SYSTEM ↗

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