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Promises Made, Promises Kept: American Governance and Public Policy Series

Bradley Dixon

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Published in City County Consolidation: Promises Made Promises Kept? (American Governance And Public Policy Series)

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The Promises Made, Promises Kept: American Governance and Public Policy Series explores the complex relationship between government and the people it serves. Through a series of in-depth articles, the series examines the promises that governments make to their citizens, the policies they enact to fulfill those promises, and the impact those policies have on the lives of ordinary Americans.

City–County Consolidation: Promises Made, Promises Kept? (American Governance and Public Policy series)

by Howard Zinn

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

The series begins with an examination of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The authors argue that the American Revolution was a promise made by the government to its citizens to create a more just and equitable society. They then trace the evolution of American government and public policy from the early days of the republic to the present day.

The series covers a wide range of topics, including:

The role of government in the economy
The provision of social services
The protection of civil liberties
The conduct of foreign policy

The authors of the series take a balanced approach to these complex issues. They present a variety of perspectives and arguments, and they allow readers to draw their own s. The series is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history and evolution of American government and public policy.

The Promise of Equality

The American Revolution was fought on the promise of equality. The Declaration of Independence proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This promise of equality has been a guiding principle of American government and public policy ever since.

However, the promise of equality has not always been easy to fulfill. The United States has a long history of racial discrimination and inequality. Even today, there are significant disparities in income, wealth, and opportunity between different racial and ethnic groups.

Despite these challenges, the American government has made progress in fulfilling the promise of equality. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited states from using literacy tests or other discriminatory practices to prevent African Americans from voting.

These laws have made a significant difference in the lives of millions of Americans. However, there is still more work to be done to achieve full equality for all Americans.

The Promise of Opportunity

The American Dream is the promise of opportunity. It is the belief that anyone can succeed in America, regardless of their background or circumstances. This promise has been a powerful force in American history, and it has helped to make the United States a land of opportunity for people from all over the world.

However, the promise of opportunity has not always been easy to fulfill. There are still significant barriers to opportunity for many Americans, especially for those who are poor or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The American government has a role to play in ensuring that all Americans have a fair shot at success. This includes investing in education, job training, and other programs that can help people overcome the barriers to opportunity.

The promise of opportunity is a fundamental part of the American Dream. It is a promise that we must continue to work to fulfill for all Americans.

The Promise of Democracy

The United States is a democracy. This means that the government is elected by the people and that the people have a say in how the government is run. This promise of democracy is a fundamental part of the American way of life.

However, the promise of democracy is not always easy to fulfill. There are many challenges to democracy, both in the United States and around the world.

One of the biggest challenges to democracy is the rise of populism. Populist leaders appeal to the fears and frustrations of ordinary people, and they often promise simple solutions to complex problems. This can be a dangerous trend, as it can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarianism.

Another challenge to democracy is the spread of misinformation and disinformation. In the age of social media, it is easier than ever for people to spread false or misleading information. This can make it difficult for people to make informed decisions about their government and their future.

Despite these challenges, the promise of democracy is still worth fighting for. Democracy is the best way to ensure that the government is responsive to the needs of the people. It is the best way to protect our freedoms and our way of life.

The Promises Made, Promises Kept: American Governance and Public Policy Series is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the history and evolution of American government and public policy. The series provides a balanced and in-depth look at the complex relationship between government and the people it serves.

The series is a reminder that the promises made by our government are only as good as the people who keep them. We must all work together to ensure that the promises of equality, opportunity, and democracy are fulfilled for all Americans.

City–County Consolidation: Promises Made, Promises Kept? (American Governance and Public Policy series)

by Howard Zinn

5 out of 5