The Character of American Democracy: Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future

The Character of American Democracy: Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future

by Jill Long Thompson
The Character of American Democracy: Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future

The Character of American Democracy: Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future

by Jill Long Thompson

eBook

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Overview

"We live in an age that demonstrates the powerful need for ethics in government. Democracy is a privilege that carries with it important responsibilities for the people and their representatives. As we look back on this era and determine the future of this nation, Dr. Long Thompson's book will be a resource for Americans who are seeking ways to secure our democracy and our future as a nation." Congressman John Lewis, Georgia's 5th District.

Ethical leadership, steeped in integrity and fairness, matters. The future of our nation and our world depends upon the quality of America's character. In this uncompromising, absorbing look at our government and society today, Jill Long Thompson persuasively argues that we all have a meaningful role to play in shaping America's character and future. The citizenry, as well as their elected officials, are responsible for protecting fairness of participation and integrity in elections, as well as in the adoption and execution of laws. In this troubling time when the public is losing trust and confidence in our government, Jill Long Thompson shows us a bipartisan way forward.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780253052704
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Publication date: 03/12/2021
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 164
Sales rank: 555,909
File size: 1 MB
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

A former Congresswoman from Indiana, Jill Long Thompson taught ethics as a Visiting Clinical Associate Professor at the Kelley School of Business and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington and is now Visiting Scholar with the Ostrom Workshop. Until 2015 she was board chair and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration, a position to which she was appointed by President Barack Obama.

Table of Contents

Foreword (Marcy Kaptur)
Introduction: Ethics are Fundamental to Democracy
Chapter 1: American Character
Chapter 2: Decision-Making with Character
Chapter 3: The Habit of Leading with Character
Chapter 4: Ethics and Democracy
Chapter 5: Democracy, Ethics, and Capitalism
Chapter 6: The American's Character
Conclusion: Strength of Character – Strength of Union
Note

What People are Saying About This

"Whether it has been in the political, governmental, academic or personal world, it was always clear to me that Jill Long Thompson has made the effort to comport herself with the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and character. Now she makes a strong, timely, and convincing argument on why we as a country need to refocus on these standards, and how we can do that. Not only should we expect more from our political and business leaders, but we need to challenge ourselves, in our personal behavior, to do better as well. The future of our 'experiment in democracy' depends on what we decide and what we do."

Norman Ornstein

The years of the Trump Administration have perhaps deadened America's sensitivity to norms of behavior and governance and to the imperative of ethical conduct. If we have, in Daniel Patrick Moynihan's term, defined deviancy down, it is urgent that raise our ethical standards back up, in government, business and throughout our society. These standards are the glue that keeps us together and brings legitimacy to the decisions our lawmakers and others leaders make. Jill Long Thompson, who knows from deep experience whereof she speaks, provides the roadmap and the imperative to gain back the character of our American democracy.

The Honorable Lee Hamilton

This book is a good read for all Americans. Dr. Long Thompson has set an example for all of us in her remarkable career as politician and academician. In this book, she provides an instructive and insightful perspective on the role character plays in democracy. She convincingly argues that all of us, ordinary citizens and leaders alike, play the crucial role in ensuring fairness, integrity, and transparency to preserve and protect our country.

The Honorable Marcy Kaptur

The Character of American Democracy is a must-read for every person who values the ideals upon which our nation was founded. There has never been a more urgent time for us to look in the mirror and candidly assess how we are running our country. It is an awesome responsibility we all share. The Character of American Democracy provides us insight and guidance on how do it better.

Andrew Downs

Professor Long Thompson understands that ethical behavior is part of the foundation of our society.  Ethical behavior contributes to thoughtful discussion of diverse opinions and a productive and just country.  Her understanding goes beyond disciplinary silos and calls for ethical behavior by everyone, not just elected officials and business leaders.  She knows ethical behavior is instrumental to our daily activities, not an abstract concept.  Professor Long Thompson calls on all of us to behave ethically and hold our leaders accountable if we want to protect our democracy. 

The Honorable John Lewis

We live in an age that demonstrates the powerful need for ethics in government. Democracy is a privilege that carries with it important responsibilities for the people and their representatives. As we look back on this era and determine the future of this nation, Dr. Long Thompson's book will be a resource for Americans who are seeking ways to secure our democracy and our future as a nation.

The Honorable Leon Panetta

In her book The Character of American Democracy, Jill Long Thompson has written a bible for public service. She makes clear that the nation is facing a serious ethical crisis. Our forefathers created this nation because they believed in the character of the American people. In the political turmoil of our time, we have lost our way – our moral compass. But the strength of America lies in the spirit and character of our people. In a system of checks and balances, Jill believes that the ultimate check is the character and ethics of the American people. For the sake of our country, we pray she is right.

Sam Berger

Dr. Long Thompson's book makes a persuasive case for not only the importance of ethics in leadership, but also the critical role that laws and policies play in supporting and encouraging such ethical behavior.

Charles Taylor

The Character of American Democracy a must-read for everyone who cares about civility and ethics in politics and public affairs.

The Honorable Paul Helmke

Whether it has been in the political, governmental, academic or personal world, it was always clear to me that Jill Long Thompson has made the effort to comport herself with the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and character. Now she makes a strong, timely, and convincing argument on why we as a country need to refocus on these standards, and how we can do that. Not only should we expect more from our political and business leaders, but we need to challenge ourselves, in our personal behavior, to do better as well. The future of our 'experiment in democracy' depends on what we decide and what we do.

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