"In this book, one of our most eminent political scientists poses the question, "Why should we uphold our Constitution?" The vast majority of Americans venerate the American Constitution and the principles it embodies, but many also worry that the United States has fallen behind other nations on crucial democratic issues, including economic equality, racial integration, and women's rights. Robert Dahl explores this vital tension between the belief of Americans in the legitimacy of their Constitution and their belief in the principles of democracy."--BOOK JACKET.