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Our Undemocratic Constitution: Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (And How We the People Can Correct It)
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 342.7302
EAN: 9780195365573
Edition: Oxford University Press Pbk
ISBN: 0195365577
Label: Oxford University Press, USA
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 272
Publication Date: March 07, 2008
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Studio: Oxford University Press, USA
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Editorial Review:
Levinson argues that too many of our Constitution's provisions promote either unjust or ineffective government. Under the existing blueprint, we can neither rid ourselves of incompetent presidents nor assure continuity of government following catastrophic attacks. Less important, perhaps, but certainly problematic, is the appointment of Supreme Court judges for life. Adding insult to injury, the United States Constitution is the most difficult to amend or update of any constitution currently existing in the world today. Democratic debate leaves few stones unturned, but we tend to take our basic constitutional structures for granted. Levinson boldly challenges the American people to undertake a long overdue public discussion on how they might best reform this most hallowed document and construct a constitution adequate to our democratic values.
"Admirably gutsy and unfashionable."
--Michael Kinsley, The New York Times
"Bold, bracingly unromantic, and filled with illuminating insights. He accomplishes an unlikely feat, which is to make a really serious argument for a new constitutional convention, one that is founded squarely on democratic ideals."
--Cass R. Sunstein, The New Republic
"Everyone who cares about how our government works should read this thoughtful book."
--Washington Lawyer
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - If the last decade isn't proof enough...
Thank you Dr. Levinson for a genuinely thoughtful argument concerning our constitution and its deep need for substantial revision. Point by point, he moves from the undeserved reverence Americans have for this document to its faults. He then suggested much needed reforms.
Levinson insists that the Electoral College should be abandoned so that the people, not the states elect our president. His points are well considered, although he fails to explain that Electoral College was adopted ... Read More
Rating:  - Dissapointed at clarity of thoughts
Our Undemocratic Constitution: Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (And How We the People Can Correct It)Although I believe the author is on the right track about how our constitution needs to be changed to make it more democratic, I found his arguments to be somewhat fuzzy. This is a shame since it is such an important topic.
Rating:  - Typical Liberal Schlock
First of all Mr. Steele, Scooter Libby was NOT pardoned, he had his sentenced commuted...there is a difference.
Secondly, everything espoused in Levinson's book would curiously help liberal (read: Democrat) candidates, legislators, and/or movements, NGOs and "activists."
It is true the problem with the senate is age old; the senate has been a thorn in the side of the executive since 1789. Direct election of senators was a terrible idea; we can thank the populists for that. When senators ... Read More
Rating: - A book based on silly assumptions
Levinson is a law professor in Austin who has written a short book of how "undemocratic" our Constitution is. This is supposed to be a real revelation as he covers many examples of how he defines "democracy" in the modern era.
Yes the small states get the same two Senators that the big states get, which I guess is why the Founding Fathers called the document "The Great Compromise" when it was adopted. Levinson makes the assumption that somehow a document written as a compromise over 200 years ago would ... Read More
Rating:  - Solid Five for Good Sense, Elegance, and Timing
This is one of those critical books where even a top reviewer is well advised to carfefully consider all extant reviews by others, and I have done so. They all have something important, less the fellow that cannot handle brilliance in others. Having considered all the other reviews, I continue in my own belief that this book is a solid FIVE for good sense, elegance in presentation, and timeliness.
Although I have recently lauded State of the Unions: How Labor Can Strengthen the Middle Class, Improve ... Read More
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