Twelve Ways to Save Democracy in Wisconsin

Wisconsin, once a progressive stronghold led by Robert La Follette and others, inaugurated far-reaching reforms that broadened public involvement in civic affairs. A wave of innovative social programs aimed at making the state more egalitarian followed. In recent decades, however, the Badger State has become a laboratory for antidemocratic maneuvers that have increased the political influence of the super-rich and corporations while decreasing the power of voters.

From tightening campaign finance laws and banning gerrymandering to rooting out structural racism and moving toward economic equality, each chapter focuses on one of the dozen reforms that are required to heal democracy within the state. Rothschild provides an in-depth rationale for each, dismantling the counterarguments against them and exploring the complexities involved in implementing them. He offers concrete proposals and action items for grassroots organizers and concerned community advocates to restore constituent control of state politics. This pocket-sized handbook is essential for politically aware citizens as well as journalists and watchdogs who see Wisconsin as a crucial battleground state and political bellwether for the nation.

Author: Matthew Rothschild
Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press
Published: 12/07/2021
Pages: 168
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9780299334949
ISBN10: 0299334945
BISAC Categories:
- Political Science | Political Process | Campaigns & Elections
- Political Science | American Government | State
- Political Science | Political Ideologies | Democracy

About the Author
Matthew Rothschild is the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and a former editor and publisher of The Progressive magazine. He is the author of You Have No Rights: Stories of America in an Age of Repression and the editor of Democracy in Print: The Best of The Progressive Magazine, 1909-2009.