The New Citizenship: Unconventional Politics, Activism, and Service

Why do so many Americans fail to participate in their communitiesrs" affairs? What role should the citizenry play in our political system? In addressing these concerns, this revised and updated text evaluates the dilemma of participation, civility, and stability at a time when civic indifference is a national problem. In addition to outlining the sources of this indifference,The New Citizenshipsuggests ways in which Americans can conquer their apathy toward government. In this fourth edition, author and Dilemmas in American Politics series editor Craig A. Rimmerman provides new material on ACORN, the 2008 presidential election, the Obama presidency, and the impact of these recent events for college students and their conceptions of participation and citizenship.

Craig A. Rimmerman is professor of political science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and editor of Westview’s Dilemmas in American Politics series. His books include The Lesbian and Gay Movements (Westview Press).