We are at a crucial moment in the history of democracy. Democracy is at risk, as shown by two ominous trends that are challenging democracy both in the United States and throughout the world. First, while most Americans profess to believe in democracy and view the United States as a democratic society, a great many believe the system is not working well and are losing faith in democracy. The second trend is the rise in the US, and elsewhere, of so-called populist (but more properly seen as nationalist) movements. These movements have deeply undemocratic and authoritarian features.

 

The article first discusses the meaning of democracy, the contributions America has made to democratic thinking and practice, and the contradictions within and deficiencies of American democracy. Then, the article examines reforms that would move the country in a more democratic direction. These reforms include changes to the electoral process, in particular remedying partisan gerrymandering and instituting mandatory voting. And they include measures that would more equitably share the society’s benefits, in particular equalizing educational opportunity through federal financing of elementary and secondary schools and free universal college education, and equalizing employment opportunity by guaranteeing a job at a living wage to all who are willing and able to work.