Challenging Authority argues that ordinary people exercise extraordinary political courage and power in American politics when; frustrated by politics as usual; they rise up in anger and hope and defy the authorities and the status quo rules that ordinarily govern their daily lives. By doing so; they disrupt the workings of important institutions and become a force in American politics. Drawing on critical episodes in American history; Frances Fox Piven shows that it is precisely at those seismic moments when people act outside of self-restricting political norms that they become empowered to their full democratic potential.
#657704 in Books Sheed n Ward 2005-07-14 2005-07-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.03 x .89 x 6.06l; .88 #File Name: 0742549011320 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Paterali@aol.comBy John KeohaneInitially published in 1960 this work stands the test of time. It begins by tracing American political history by joining Lincoln in giving meaning to the structure of the Constitution by linking it to the Declaration of Independence. It views the early American theorists and politicians as treating the tradition of natural law reflected in the Declaration as an inheritance. Murray describes natural law as being based on three concepts: man is intelligent; that reality is intelligible; and that reality; as grasped by intelligence; imposes on the will the obligation that it be obeyed in its demands for action or abstention.Its timeliness is best shown in its chapters dealing with the relation of Church and State as addressed by the First Amendment which are applicable to present day events and its discussion of the Cold War particularly if one substitutes Islamic Extremists for the Soviet Union insofar as certain "pragmatists" did not take Soviet "dogma" seriously.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Great BookBy Joanne HansingerThis is an important book that every citizen and politician should read. It is relevant to our time and place in history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Best BookBy AnushkaFonsekaIt is a great book that talks about the politics and the religious freedom in US. Every one should read this I think.
