American Liberalism

An Interpretation for Our Time

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy, Politics, History & Theory
Cover of the book American Liberalism by John McGowan, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John McGowan ISBN: 9780807885086
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: October 22, 2007
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: John McGowan
ISBN: 9780807885086
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: October 22, 2007
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

Americans live in a liberal democracy. Yet, although democracy is widely touted today, liberalism is scorned by both the right and the left. The United States stands poised between its liberal democratic tradition and the illiberal alternatives of liberalism's critics. John McGowan argues that Americans should think twice before jettisoning the liberalism that guided American politics from James Madison to the New Deal and the Great Society.

In an engaging and informative discussion, McGowan offers a ringing endorsement of American liberalism's basic principles, values, and commitments. He identifies five tenets of liberalism: a commitment to liberty and equality, trust in a constitutionally established rule of law, a conviction that modern societies are irreducibly plural, the promotion of a diverse civil society, and a reliance on public debate and deliberation to influence others' opinions and actions.

McGowan explains how America's founders rejected the simplistic notion that government or society is necessarily oppressive. They were, however, acutely aware of the danger of tyranny. The liberalism of the founders distributed power widely in order to limit the power any one entity could exercise over others. Their aim was to provide for all an effective freedom that combined the right to self-determination with the ability to achieve one's self-chosen goals. In tracing this history, McGowan offers a clear vision of liberalism's foundational values as America's best guarantee today of liberty and the peace in which to exercise it.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Americans live in a liberal democracy. Yet, although democracy is widely touted today, liberalism is scorned by both the right and the left. The United States stands poised between its liberal democratic tradition and the illiberal alternatives of liberalism's critics. John McGowan argues that Americans should think twice before jettisoning the liberalism that guided American politics from James Madison to the New Deal and the Great Society.

In an engaging and informative discussion, McGowan offers a ringing endorsement of American liberalism's basic principles, values, and commitments. He identifies five tenets of liberalism: a commitment to liberty and equality, trust in a constitutionally established rule of law, a conviction that modern societies are irreducibly plural, the promotion of a diverse civil society, and a reliance on public debate and deliberation to influence others' opinions and actions.

McGowan explains how America's founders rejected the simplistic notion that government or society is necessarily oppressive. They were, however, acutely aware of the danger of tyranny. The liberalism of the founders distributed power widely in order to limit the power any one entity could exercise over others. Their aim was to provide for all an effective freedom that combined the right to self-determination with the ability to achieve one's self-chosen goals. In tracing this history, McGowan offers a clear vision of liberalism's foundational values as America's best guarantee today of liberty and the peace in which to exercise it.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book The Armchair Birder's Omnibus Ebook by John McGowan
Cover of the book The Deacons for Defense by John McGowan
Cover of the book Bobby Rush: "Blues Singer--Plus" by John McGowan
Cover of the book The Corner of the Living by John McGowan
Cover of the book Blurred Borders by John McGowan
Cover of the book Southern Cultures: Southern Waters Issue by John McGowan
Cover of the book Engines of Diplomacy by John McGowan
Cover of the book Mama Dip's Family Cookbook by John McGowan
Cover of the book Hurtin' Words by John McGowan
Cover of the book American Growth and the Balance of Payments, 1820-1913 by John McGowan
Cover of the book Hanoi's War by John McGowan
Cover of the book The AIDS Pandemic by John McGowan
Cover of the book Irving Babbitt by John McGowan
Cover of the book The Nature of North Carolina's Southern Coast by John McGowan
Cover of the book Remembering the Modoc War by John McGowan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy