The Good Citizen: How a Younger Generation Is Reshaping American Politics - Softcover

“Dalton is one of a small number of people who can present research that provides just enough of a comparative perspective on American problems while also presenting a deeper insight about what is unique about American politics. The Good Citizen is an accessible and optimistic work that fits in well with discussions of political polarization and studies of how younger adults engage in politics.”

“The Good Citizen’s strengths are in its clarity of presentation, as the material is presented in a straightforward matter that is easy to understand. It is an excellent book with which to teach.” 

“The Good Citizen is the perfect introduction to my class. It focuses on younger people, which gives it a direct relevance to my students. The basic argument of the book is very compelling, and was an important qualifier on the normal ‘youth bashing’ that can often happen with regard to millennials and politics. I highly recommend this book. It will not disappoint.”

“The Good Citizen is a useful introduction to political science and the social science method for students interested in learning about the diversity of approaches to the study of American politics. The book keeps its focus on civic participation, which is critically important today.”

This book is not about recreating the halcyon politics of a generation ago, but recognition that new patterns of citizenship call for new processes and new institutions that reflect the values of the contemporary American public. Trends in participation, tolerance, and policy priorities reflect a younger generation that is more engaged, more tolerant, and more supportive of social justice. The Good Citizen shows how a younger generation is creating new norms of citizenship that are leading to a renaissance of democratic participation. An important comparative chapter in the book showcases cross-national comparisons that further demonstrate the vitality of American democracy.