Historically, two contrasting meanings of democracy and democratic governance have co-existed within the United States. One emphasizes politicians and government and the other the agency of the people.
Gerrymandered legislative districts distort democracy and reduce the power of voters to elect their chosen representatives. A former Ohio jurist discusses an effort by a civic organization to reform the redistricting process in her state.
Public incivility and toxic behavior can spread like contagion if unchecked, weakening our ability to collaborate and cooperate to solve the complex challenges our local governments face.
Over 100,000 receive the National Civic Review each quarter. Its cases studies, reports, interviews and essays help communities learn about the latest developments in collaborative problems-solving, civic engagement, local government innovation and democratic governance. Some of the country’s leading doers and thinkers have contributed articles to this invaluable resource for elected officials, public managers, nonprofit leaders, grassroots activists, and public administration scholars seeking to make America’s communities more inclusive, participatory, innovative and successful.