On Democracy's Doorstep - Hardcover

Title: On Democracy's Doorstep( The Inside Story of How the Supreme Court Brought "One Person One Vote" to the United States) <>Binding: Hardcover <>Author: J.DouglasSmith <>Publisher: Hill&Wang

[On Democracy's Doorstep] is invaluable for anyone who wishes to understand the court, especially those who aren't familiar with legal jargon . . . Smith gives us the knowledge that imparts the power to change and, more importantly, the hope that it can succeed.-Kirkus (starred review)As historian Smith ably demonstrates, beginning in the late 19th century, malapportionment--the uneven representation of constituents by lawmakers--became the most serious threat to political equality . . . Smith takes a novel angle and writes with a light touch.--Publishers Weekly. One person, one vote lies at the heart of democracy. J. Douglas Smith tells the gripping story of how the U.S. Supreme Court boldly acted in the 1960s to bring that ideal closer to reality. And he unearths the first stirrings of backlash that augured today's polarized politics. A fascinating blend of political, legal, and social history.--Michael Waldman, President, Brennan Center for Justice at NY U School of Law, and author of The Second Amendment: A Biography. A topic as important and serious as voting deserves an important and serious book. This is it. J. Douglas Smith has done a masterful job of untangling the reapportionment thicket.--Julian Bond, former chairman of the NAACP and Distinguished Adjunct Professor, American University Over the course of our country's history, our ability to live up to our founders' vision has been tested time and time again. J. Douglas Smith tells the story of the people who met one of the most critical of these tests. This is the story of citizens, elected leaders, activists, lawyers, and judges who, over time, developed a deeper understanding of what true self-governance means. It's a story that reminds us that our key founding principle--that in a democracy, everybody counts--is worth fighting for. And that it must be protected with constant vigilance.Maggie Hassan, Governor of New Hampshire J. D --Various