The American Republic Can Save American Democracy - by Gary Hart (Paperback)

About the Book

"This is a book that will make you more versed in political theory and political practice. As the political climate is constantly changing, the author, a politician who has worked in Washington, D.C., explores how the American Republic can save American Democracy, in particular from creeping authoritarianism. He examines the basic tenets of republicanism as laid out by America's Founders-popular sovereignty, a sense of the common good, resistance to corruption, and civic virtue-then goes on to analyze how each of these can be used to restore American democracy and its ideals. The book is full of valuable thought and insight from a seasoned politician and public servant, and will galvanize readers to work together toward a brighter future"--

Book Synopsis

"Senator Hart's voice can heal the country and chart a real course toward equality, freedom, and hope for all." -Hugh Jackman In 1776, America's Founders proclaimed the new nation a republic with a democratic form of government. Although American democracy has survived for almost 250 years, the rise of populist nationalism in the United States and abroad creates a potent threat that highlights democracy's vulnerability. In this important and timely work, Gary Hart argues that only by restoring the qualities of the republic in America, namely popular sovereignty, a sense of the common good, resistance to corruption, and civic virtue, can American democracy be saved.

Review Quotes

Finalist in the Government/Politics category.

"Gary Hart's intelligence is mixed with a gift for practicality and simplicity, and he is one of the most prescient and important public voices in public life. This book is another incredible example of the power of Gary's voice and how urgent the situation is right now for things to change. This essay examines how the restoration of the republic is the best way to save American democracy. Having read it, as well as having the privilege of sitting on his deck in Colorado talking with him, I am sure you will agree with me at how lucky this country is to have Gary Hart's voice, one that has been in service to this republic for most of his life." - Hugh JACKMAN

"Gary Hart has always been a thoughtful man and he has written a thoughtful book; a warning, that teeters at times on the brink of despair. If the United States continues down the path that Donald Trump forged, Hart fears, then we are well on our way to losing our republic. If that prospect alarms you, read this slim volume . . . and buy another copy for a friend." - Ted Koppel

"In this clearly and vigorously written book, former Senator Gary Hart invokes the historic tradition of republicanism, with its prescriptions of popular sovereignty, anti-corruption, and civic virtue, as the best means for saving our beleaguered democracy. His words of wisdom are all the more effective and worth listening to because, as a scholar of history and a participant in government, Hart knows more than most of us about both the outside and the inside of our politics." - -Gordon S. Wood, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution

"Gary Hart's eloquent call to action could not be more timely. This important new book makes a compelling argument that saving American democracy demands restoring our republic and reinvigorating the civic virtues that sustain it. At this moment of maximum peril, every patriotic American should read what Senator Hart has to say." - Laurence H. Tribe, University Professor of Constitutional Law Emeritus, Harvard University

"The American Republic Can Save American Democracy is a compelling clarion call to American citizens, encouraging them to act on behalf of their imperiled nation." --Michelle Anne Schingler, Foreword Reviews

"Gary Hart has always been a thoughtful man and he has written a thoughtful book; a warning, that teeters at times on the brink of despair." --Ted Koppel, American-British Broadcaster

"In this clearly and vigorously written book former Senator Gary Hart invokes the historic tradition of republicanism, with its prescriptions of popular sovereignty, anti-corruption, and civic virtue, as the best means for saving our beleaguered democracy." --Gordon S. Wood, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution

"Senator Hart's voice can heal the country and chart a real course toward equality, freedom, and hope for all." --Hugh Jackman

About the Author

Gary Hart has been and continues to be one of America's great public servants for almost four decades, from his role in the 1972 McGovern campaign to his years as a visionary senator, from his leadership on national security matters before and after 9/11 to his contributions as a respected statesman on various issues. He is the author of several books, including The Thunder and the Sunshine: Four Seasons in a Burnished Life, as well as two novels published under the pseudonym John Blackthorn. Hart lives in Denver, Colorado.