Tocqueville argued in Democracy in America (1835-40) that Americans showed how democracy in the modern world might look: when they want something done, they form democratic associations to accomplish it. Just fifty or sixty years ago, one in four people held leadership positions in local politics. Today, most of us are couch Democrats or Republicans: we vote sporadically, sign a few online petitions, donate to our party during a presidential election year, and leave politics to the elected officials. How to take action if we want to do more? Zephyr Teachout will share strategies on how to participate in government.
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Zephyr Teachout | Fordham Law Professor, political activist, and former New York Gubernatorial candidate