Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-221) and index.
Contents
Pt. I. Democratic ad political origin -- The ideal of America's democracy -- The history of political influence in the United States -- Pt. II. Perspectives of political players -- Views of citizen advocacy staff -- Views of a media expert -- Views of a thoughtful Washington conservative -- Views of a seasoned Washington progressive -- Views of a candid Washington lobbyist -- Views of a European diplomat -- Pt. III. The leverage of wealth -- Global warming: the specter of climate change -- Minimum wage: income denied -- Stem cell cures thwarted -- Health care: profit versus public well-being -- Inner-city crime unabated -- Pt. IV. Impact of special interests -- Beneficiaries of moneyed interests -- Policy versus national interest -- Deteriorating political leadership and the tragedy of Iraq -- Pt. V. A plan to revive America's democracy is failing -- The way out.