political culture

"A popular uprising against big government led to the ascendancy of a broad-based conservative movement. But as Jane Mayer shows in this powerful, meticulously reported history, a network of exceedingly wealthy people with extreme libertarian views bankrolled a systematic, step-by-step plan to fundamentally alter the American political system. The network has brought together some of the richest people on the planet. Their core beliefs-that taxes are a form of tyranny; that government oversight of business is anassault on freedom-are sincerely held. But these beliefs also advance their personal and corporate interests: Many of their companies have run afoul of federal pollution, worker safety, securities, and tax laws."--Amazon.

In 1785, Louis XVI presented Benjamin Franklin with a snuff box encrusted with diamonds and inset with the King's portrait. Americans believed it threatened to "corrupt" Franklin by altering his attitude toward the French in subtle psychological ways. In 2010, one of the most consequential Court decisions in American political history gave wealthy corporations the right to spend unlimited money to influence elections. With unlimited spending transforming American politics for the worse, warns Teachout, if the American experiment in self-government is to have a future, then we must revive the traditional meaning of corruption and embrace an old ideal.

Explores the origins and development of the New Deal, explaining the impact it had on America in the mid-twentieth century. Also considers how the New Deal has shaped the modern state of the nation.

"A timely, topical book grounding Russia's recent turn towards conservativism in pre-1917 culture and explaining what this shift could mean for the rest of the world"--.

Why would a successful, twelve-year Secret Service agent resign his position in the prime of his career to run for political office? Bongino, assigned to protective duty for George W. Bush and Barack Obama, takes an intimate look at life inside the presidential "bubble:" a haze of staffers, consultants, cronies, acolytes, bureaucrats and lobbyists that creates the "alternate reality" in which monumental policy decisions are made. Uncover why a government filled with incredibly dedicated people continues to make tragic mistakes.

A history of how Communism took over Eastern Europe after World War II and transformed the individuals who came under its sway.

Presents a comprehensive examination of the 1992 peace accords, the history of freedom of expression in El Salvador prior to and after the accords, and media coverage of human rights issues and violations.

Draws on personal and newspaper accounts, diary records, and folklore to present double portraits of Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman, discussing how the two became kindred spirits, despite their profound differences in position and circumstance during the Civil War.

An examination of the 1948 presidential election that describes political affairs during the time and discusses Harry S. Truman's upset victory and its causes.