The Crisis of the Middle Class Constitution
Why Economic Inequality Threatens Our Republic
New York : Alfred A. Knopf, [2017]
Format: Book
Edition: First edition.
Description: vi, 423 pages ; 25 cm
In this original, provocative contribution to the debate over economic inequality, Ganesh Sitaraman argues that a strong and sizable middle class is a prerequisite for America's constitutional system.
A New York Times Notable Book of 2017
For most of Western history, Sitaraman argues, constitutional thinkers assumed economic inequality was inevitable and inescapable--and they designed governments to prevent class divisions from spilling over into class warfare. The American Constitution is different. Compared to Europe and the ancient world, America was a society of almost unprecedented economic equality, and the founding generation saw this equality as essential for the preservation of America's republic. Over the next two centuries, generations of Americans fought to sustain the economic preconditions for our constitutional system. But today, with economic and political inequality on the rise, Sitaraman says Americans face a choice: Will we accept rising economic inequality and risk oligarchy or will we rebuild the middle class and reclaim our republic?
The Crisis of the Middle-Class Constitution is a tour de force of history, philosophy, law, and politics. It makes a compelling case that inequality is more than just a moral or economic problem; it threatens the very core of our constitutional system.
A New York Times Notable Book of 2017
For most of Western history, Sitaraman argues, constitutional thinkers assumed economic inequality was inevitable and inescapable--and they designed governments to prevent class divisions from spilling over into class warfare. The American Constitution is different. Compared to Europe and the ancient world, America was a society of almost unprecedented economic equality, and the founding generation saw this equality as essential for the preservation of America's republic. Over the next two centuries, generations of Americans fought to sustain the economic preconditions for our constitutional system. But today, with economic and political inequality on the rise, Sitaraman says Americans face a choice: Will we accept rising economic inequality and risk oligarchy or will we rebuild the middle class and reclaim our republic?
The Crisis of the Middle-Class Constitution is a tour de force of history, philosophy, law, and politics. It makes a compelling case that inequality is more than just a moral or economic problem; it threatens the very core of our constitutional system.
Contents:
Economic power and political power : the two traditions -- America's middle class constitution -- The emergence of the plutocracy -- The search for solutions --How economic inequality threatens the Republic -- The future of the middle class constitution.
Subjects:
Constitutional law -- Economic aspects -- United States.
Equality -- Economic aspects.
Income distribution -- United States.
Middle class -- United States.
Power (Social sciences)
Plutocracy.
United States -- Social conditions.
Constitutional law -- Economic aspects -- United States.
Equality -- Economic aspects.
Income distribution -- United States.
Middle class -- United States.
Power (Social sciences)
Plutocracy.
United States -- Social conditions.
ISBN:
9780451493910 (hardcover)
Availability | |||
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Call Number | Location | Shelf Location | Status |
BUSINESS Economics Sit | Main (Downtown) | Third Level, Nonfiction | In |
Includes bibliographical references and index.