Popular Misgovernment in the United States

A political critique written in the early 20th century. The work discusses the perceived failures of popular governance in the United States, particularly focusing on the concept of universal suffrage and its implications for political corruption and inefficiency. Cruikshank argues that the unrestricted right to vote has led to the dominance of less qualified individuals in political office, leading to a governance that he views as ineffective and often corrupt. The opening of the book establishes a sense of urgency regarding the state of the American political system, highlighting the perceived threats of radical ideologies like Bolshevism, which he sees as a consequence of the failures of an unqualified electorate. Cruikshank emphasizes that the founding principles of governance should prioritize property ownership and societal contribution as qualifications for voters. He asserts that past political decisions, particularly the adoption of unqualified suffrage, have deteriorated American democracy, leading to governance characterized by inefficiency, corruption, and a disconnect from the virtues of the American foundations.