Study Guide #4
Dahl on the American Constitution

Robert Dahl is arguably the most accomplished U.S.-focused political scientist of the second half of the 20th century. Dahl has published many books on many topics, but his central concern has always been democracy--what it means, what are its requisites, what are its forms, and under what conditions does it flourish. He and his graduate students (including one who taught me, Nelson Polsby) became identified as proponents of the pluralist approach to politics, but Dahl's vision of democracy is much more complex than the basic concept of pluralism sketched out in class. This book is Dahl's attempt to summarize for a non-political scientist some of his insights about American democracy.

Like this course, Dahl uses a comparative approach in order to better appreciate the significance of the design of American political institutions--after all, we can only understand what is gained and what is lost by "federalism" or "first-past-the-post" if we compare it to alternative political structures in other nations. As you read this book, don't simply take Dahl's conclusions for granted. Does Dahl provide enough evidence for his conclusions? Does he overlook some strengths of American institutions, or weaknesses of competing institutional designs? The downside of such a brief book on such a big topic is that it often skips lightly over heavy questions. Be on the lookout on such moments.

Chapter 1--Fundamental Questions

1. Why should Americans uphold the Constitution according to Dahl? Why does Dahl reject unconditional acceptance of the Constitution?


Chapter 2--What The Framers Couldn't Know

2. In what ways were the Framers limited in their knowledge? By the practical political constraints of getting the Constitution enacted?

3. What undemocratic elements does Dahl find in the Constitution?

4. Dahl claims that "The fate of the Alien and Sedition Acts symbolizes a larger change at work in the country" following the adoption of the Constitution. How so?

5. Dahl lists both constitutional amendments and changes in political practices following the adoption of the Constitution. Describe them.

6. How did Madison change his views after the adoption of the Constitution according to Dahl?

Chapters 3 & 4--The Constitution as a Model and Electing the President

7. In what specific ways does the United States differ from the other "advanced democratic countries"?

8. What is "first-past the post"? How is it different from proportional representation? (Bonus points: whose career in politics was destroyed by advocacy of proportional representation?)

9. According to Dahl, how did the Framers arrive at their unique presidential system? How has it evolved?

10. What "democratic defects" does Dahl find in the method the Framers established for electing the president?

11. What is "winner take all" and why does Dahl criticize it? (Why do you think states retain it?)

12. What changes does Dahl recommend for the presidential election system? Why does Dahl think it unlikely such changes will be enacted into law?