The Challenge of Populism

Direct democracy is on the rise in America according to recent research on referendum initiative and recall. This book presents a qualitative analysis of America''s current trend toward populism. By tracing the intellectual origins of present populist movements Michael P. Federici explores the extent to which such movements complement the American Constitutional tradition. In particular he analyzes post-World War II right-wing populism--its emergence characteristics and historical roots. Throughout this work Federici reflects on the meaning of democracy; he warns that right-wing populism is not compatible with the American Constitutional tradition.Federici distinguishes between two types of democracy--constitutional and plebiscitary--which have opposed each other since the time of America''s founding fathers. He believes this larger debate must be explored in order to understand the current rise of populism in the United States. Federici argues that plebiscitary democracy is strongly related to populism and that it presents a challenge to the Constitutional tradition. He uncovers the roots of right-wing populism in three arenas: economics religion and foreign policy. This book offers important insights for journalists students and scholars of American history social movements sociology and democracy.