A Republic of Parties? [Paperback]

Theodore J. Lowi (Author), Joseph Romance (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0847686094 | ISBN-13: 978-0847686094 | Publication Date: November 1998

Americans have debated the efficacy of our two-party political system since the founding of the nation. Generations of political scientists have asked: Is the two- party system an antiquated arrangement, so entrenched in our political structure that any third party is destined to be peripheral, or is it an essential component of the political and constitutional order articulated by our founders? This book forces readers to decide for themselves. Theodore J. Lowi and Joseph Romance debate the promises and pitfalls of the two-party system and provide readers with the strongest available arguments for and against the two-party system of government. Lowi argues that the inability of the existing parties to provide adequate representation for our diverse nation is rapidly causing the obsolescence of the two party system. Romance counters that the two-party system is vital for unifying a divided country and instructs Americans about the compromises necessary to maintain a democratic government. With an introduction by esteemed political scientist Gerald Pomper that outlines the history, evolution, and current status of this perennial debate, and a collection of primary documents that covers the entire history of the controversy, this book will be indispensable for classes on American government, political parties, elections, and political science.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Theodore J. Lowi is professor of political science at Cornell University. Joseph Romance is professor of political science at Drew University. Gerald Pomper is professor of political science at Rutgers University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847686094
• ISBN-13: 978-0847686094
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,581,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful insight, March 20, 2006

By 

Cojo2020 - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Republic of Parties? (Paperback)

This collection of essays provides a well-balanced debate on the state of the American political environment. Both authors argue their points well, but Lowi's arguements appear to be more relevant and applicable to the problems of the system as it now stands.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars No Lowi Romance Than This, February 26, 2001

By 

Richard Ward (Greenfield, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Republic of Parties? (Hardcover)

Dr. Lowi says we need a third party - a three-party system, that is - when America is loaded with third parties. Dr. Romance, on the other hand, says that the only problem is the recent one, "gridlock," and that the solution is "reform." Interestingly, although Lowi acknowledges that what America now has in the Democrat/Republican combine is a "duopoly," neither essayist proceeds on that assumption. Lowi keeps calling for a third party when the need under duopoly would be for a second, not third, party. And Romance takes us back to various won't-work remedies, all in an effort to "reform" a non-existent two-party system. However, the book does give a valuable look - flaws and all - at Partyism, a strange creature in itself, and I would recommend it.