GOOD CITIZENSHIP IN AMERICA

"Good Citizenship in America describes the history in America of a civic ideal of who enjoys membership in the state and what obligations that entails. Before 1865, the ideal called for virtuous political behavior by same people (republicanism) but gradually extended the franchise beyond early republican expectations to many people (democracy). Democracy continued to expand after 1865, to women and place of color. At the same time, republicanism was challenged when economic development fostered serious disparities of property and income. In the twentieth century the civic ideal was somewhat displaced by consumer aspirations and satisfactions, which flowered especially after World War II. More recently, however, environmental problems and the creative destruction generated by globalization suggest that good citizens should instruct government to rein in consumerism by promoting public policies inspired by "economic conscience." Good Citizenship in America is an easily accessible analysis of civic trends in America, and it recommends strengthening much that is decent in American life."--Jacket.