Democracy in America 2024

Democracy in America 2024 is the third sequel to the seminal book in political science, written by Alexis de Tocqueville in 1835. Following the method of Tocqueville, this book seeks to explain the workings of democracy in the United States, starting with the most compelling question of all: Do Americans have the requisite non-governmental organizations (unions, civic groups, churches, charitable organizations, independent media, and neighborhood organizations) necessary to carry on the so-called "Great Debate" that democracy requires. The author uses both cases studies and comparative history to describe the various institutions that make America what it is and how they shape the democratic process. Foreign and domestic policy issues are brought to life by clear, explanatory prose, as well as by anecdotes and statistics that describe the current state of education, the economy, foreign policy and the electoral process that culminated with the November 5th election of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States. One especially familiar and unique treatment of the Republican primary is given to the presidential candidacy of Francis Xavier Suarez, who happens to be the author's son. In that connection, the author gives poignant, intimate analysis of the role of money and media in the shaping of both the presidential election and some local elections in which the author played a key role. In addition, there is ample discussion of the new phenomenon of social media, which the author boldly labels the "Fifth Estate," comparing it in the process to the more established "Fourth Estate" which is the legacy media.