On Political Equality

摘要: Robert A. Dahl, one of the world's most influential and respected political scientists, has spent a lifetime exploring institutions practices democracy in such landmark books as Who Governs?, On Democracy, How Democratic Is American Constitution? Here, Dahl looks at fundamental issue equality how why governments have fallen short their democratic ideals. At center book is question whether goal so far beyond our human limits that it should be abandoned favor more attainable ends, or if there are ways to realistically address reduce inequities. Though complete unattainable, argues strides toward ideal both desirable feasible. He shows remarkable shift recent centuries world over. explores growth institutions, expansion citizenship, various obstacles stand way gains equality. also motives, particularly those emotion reason, play crucial role struggle for In conclusion, assesses contemporary landscape United States. likelihood inequality increasing, poses scenario which Americans grow unequal influence over government. The counter foresees cultural citizens, rejecting what calls "competitive consumerism," invest time energy civic action work now exists among Americans.