Red and blue nation?: consequences and correction of America's polarized politics

America?s polarized politics are largely disconnected from mainstream public preferences. This disconnect poses fundamental dangers for the representativeness and accountability of government, as well as the already withering public trust in it. As the 2008 presidential race kicks into gear, the political climate certainly will not become less polarized. With important issues to address?including immigration policy, health care, and the funding of the Iraq war?it is critical that essential policies not be hostage to partisan political battles.Building upon the findings of the first volume of R

Analysts and pundits increasingly perceive a widening gulf between ''red states'' and ''blue states.'' Yet the research to support that perception is scattered and sometimes difficult to parse. America's polarized politics, it is said, poses fundamental dangers for democratic and accountable government. Heightened partisanship is thought to degrade deliberation in Congress and threaten the integrity of other institutions, from the courts to the media. But, how deep do the country's political divisions actually run? Are they truly wreaking havoc upon the social fabric? Has America become a hous

"Considers the extent to which polarized views among political leaders and activists are reflected in the population at large. Pays particular attention to factors such as the increased influence of religion and the changing nature of the media and offers thoughtful analyses of the underlying problems"--Provided by publisher

Pt. 1: Characteristics and causes of America's polarized politics. - XI,317 S. - graph. Darst., Tab. - ISBN=0-8157-6083-3 ; 978-0-8157-6083-2; Pt. 2: Consequences and correction of America's polarized politics. - XII,320 S. - graph. Darst., Tab. - ISBN=978-0-8157-6079-5