Books

A More Perfect Constitution: 23 Proposals to Revitalize our Constitution and Make America a Fairer Country

More and more, we are aware of the growing dysfunction and unfairness of our political system. Larry Sabato persuasively argues that part of the problem lies in the Constitution. For all its unquestioned genius, some of the document's important provisions are now outmoded, having been framed for a much smaller, less complex nation. Until they are reformed, the dysfunction and unfairness that have crept into our politics will remain. However radical that may seem, the original framers themselves fully expected the Constitution to be regularly revised to reflect the country's changing needs; yet, apart from the Bill of Rights, it has only been amended seventeen times in 220 years.

"I am asking readers to set aside political loyalties, look past 'values' debates and hot-button issues, to consider this very real possibility: that the failure of the nation to update the Constitution and the structure of government it originally bequeathed to us is at the root of our current political dysfunction."

--Larry J. Sabato

A More Perfect Constitution presents twenty-three creative and dynamic proposals to reinvigorate American governance. Combining idealism and pragmatism, Sabato's thought-provoking ideas range from the structure of Congress and length of the president's term to the number and terms of Supreme Court justices, imperfections in the Electoral College, and an inspiring call for universal national service. But just as compelling as the ideas themselves is Sabato's explication of how our system actually works, lifting the cover to reveal all the gears and levers of government in action--a fascinating lesson in civics that should engage Americans everywhere.

A More Perfect Constitution (Walker & Co.) is available beginning on October 2, 2007. For more information, visit amoreperfectconstitution.com.

The Sixth Year Itch: The Rise and Fall of the George W. Bush Presidency

This exciting new book by political scholar and commentator Larry J. Sabato helps students, voters and citizens understand the issues and actions that mattered most in the 2006 midterm elections and previews the 2008 presidential race.

The Sixth Year Itch contains original chapters by Sabato, one of the most recognizable experts and commentators on elections in the U.S., as well as contributed chapters by prom inent journalists and scholars who are on the political frontlines. Each essay offers trenchant commentary and unique insights into the campaigns, the issues and the strategies of parties and candidates, preparing readers to be informed participants in t he next election.

In addition to Larry Sabato, the following contributors are be featured: Charlie Cook, Stu Rothenberg, Chuck Todd, David Wasserman, Michael Toner, Melissa Laurenza, Claude Marx, Michael Cornfield, Matt Stearns, Gwen Florio, Lawrence Jacobs, Joanne Miller, Peter Woolley, Jonathan Riskind, Bruce Larson, Maureen Moakley, Michael Nelson, Jeff Schapiro, David Postman, David Lightman, Bruce Cain, Susan MacManus, Paul Green, Patrick Healy, Joe Hallet, G. Terry Madonna, Jeff Tuttle, Charles Bullock, Michael Carey, William Lunch and Michael W. Traugott. The Sixth Year Itch is currently available for order from Amazon.com.

Divided States of America: The Slash and Burn Politics of the 2004 Presidential Election

A follow-up to his best-selling Get in the Booth! A Citizen's Guide to the 2004 Election, this new book looks back at the 2004 campaigns and election and offers fresh analyses and trenchant commentary by Larry J. Sabato and a team of top election scholars and journalists. An invaluable resource for anyone already looking ahead to the elections of 2006 and 2008, Divided States of America breaks down the 2004 races and provides a jumping off point for future contests.

The latest publication from Larry J. Sabato and the University of Virginia Center for Politics offers exciting commentaries and analyses on the divisive 2004 election from the scholars and journalists who were closest to it. From the rise and fall of Howard Dean to the "Bush Mandate," and from the impact of campaign finance laws to the role of religion, this book offers insights on an array of the most significant events and issues that dominated the most intense and important election in recent memory. Divided States of America is currently available for order from Amazon.com.

"Want to know why Bush won and Kerry lost in 2004? Then read Larry Sabato's book. It's the best analysis of that bitter election in print."
--Bill O'Reilly, Anchor - Fox News Channel

"At Little Bighorn, General Custer was heard to say, 'Where did all those Indians come from?' On Election Night 2004 I asked, 'Where did all those Republicans come from?' Larry Sabato has collected some of the smartest observers of the scene to give us the answer. This book tells us the what, why, where and how of one of the most consequential elections of our time."
--Paul Begala, Political Analyst -CNN