You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People

A 2021 YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FINALIST

America is the greatest democracy in the world . . . isn’t it? Author Elizabeth Rusch examines some of the more problematic aspects of our government but, more importantly, offers a roadmap for teen activism and ways for young people to fix them.

The political landscape has never been so tumultuous: issues with the electoral college, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and a lack of representation in the polls and in our leadership have led to Americans of all ages asking, How did we get here?

The power to change lies with the citizens of this great country―especially teens! Rather than pointing fingers at people and political parties, You Call This Democracy? looks at flaws in the system―and offers a real way out of the mess we are in. Each chapter in this essential guide to civics for teens breaks down a different problem plaguing American democracy, exploring how it’s undemocratic, offering possible solutions (with examples of real-life teens who have already started working toward them), and suggesting ways to effect change―starting NOW!

• A Guide to the US Government: Go beyond the headlines to understand the systems that run the country, from the electoral college to gerrymandering, and discover where the real power lies.
• Voting Rights Explained: Explore the undemocratic flaws in the system, including widespread voter suppression, and learn why your vote matters more than ever.
• Social Justice for Teens: Tackle the big questions about fairness and representation in America with a clear-eyed look at what’s broken in our democracy.
• Real-World Activism: Get inspired by real-life teens who are already making a difference and find actionable steps you can take to start changing the system―today!

Elizabeth Rusch is the author of A Greater Goal and You Call This Democracy?, both of which were finalists for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, and more than a dozen acclaimed children’s books, including picture books, middle grade, fiction, nonfiction, and a graphic novel. In a starred review Kirkus Reviews called her book The 21: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change a “nail-biting account.” She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family.