Review of How Democratic Is the Us Constitution - 809 Words

Book Review Of How Democratic Is the American Constitution By Robert A. Dahl Context The American Constitution, seen by Americans as guiding light and bedrock of civil rights and democracy is as Robert A. Dahl argues not so democratic and does not guard the rights of individuals. P.18 Dahl places his work asking fundamental questions as to the use and application of the constitution in the modern world, not as an attack as Gordon S. Wood from New York Review of Books clearly states on the front cover. Dahl merely and humbly is asks Americans to deeply reconsider their much loved constitution. P.122 The work is extremely relevant as it delivers an extremely bold insight into this sacredly held text. Content Dahl examines†¦show more content†¦Dahl illustrates this by making reference to George Bush Jr. winning the presidential election in 2000, when Al Gore held the popular vote. Further, the Constitution has no solid basis of democracy to which other developed and enlightened democracies such as Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden and United Kingdom to which all have democratic constitutions and to which have been steadily democratic since 1950. P.186 Instead, Dahl discusses the American system has a hybrid of democracy. In essence, Dahl argues that the Constitution is incapable of delivering democracy to the American people in the modern world, since the framers limited the powers of congress in many matters that would in time become more prudent. Dahl observes democracy changing over time and that the U.S. Constitution is ill equipped to meet the changes needed. Drawing mainly from primary sources for historical accuracy, Dahl uses secondary sources to add to his arguments. His use of the Federalist papers in highlighting his arguments is second to none giving real perspective and clarity. He appears to have a real grasp on the issues confronting the framers when he discusses the Connecticut Compromise in relationship to equal representation in the senate. This compromise allowed discussion to continue which would ultimately lead onto the three fifths compromise, to which is another issue that Dahl highlights when he discusses slavery as an example of howShow MoreRelatedThe Nigerian Constitution in 1960 Essay1428 Words   |  6 PagesThe Nigerian Constitution in 1960 There appears to be a consensus among the rulers of Nigeria that the countrys Constitution needs review. The review is, in fact, going on and there is not much I can do about that. 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