The Evolution of a Democracy: This is Our Country, The United States of America is a comprehensive account of the history of our democracy and how it operates. It documents the evolutionary process by which our government " of the people, by the people and for the people" was formed and is continually improved. This leads us in a subtle, friendly and interesting manner through relevant events and processes by which our constitutional government was formed and operates today.

          In terms of government by the governed, Henry Steele Commager’s statement that "Nothing in all history has ever succeeded like America" is not an exaggeration, but we must also remember Ben Franklin’s description that the Constitution created "a Republic, if you can keep it."

         The book includes a description of the functioning of our government and its role in world affairs. This is done with acknowledgement of the important role that documents and agreements by earlier leaders had in laying the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy, beginning with the English Magna Carta in 1215 and Dutch Great Privilege in 1477. Interwoven are the names and deeds of some of those who made significant contributions to the origin and maintenance for our way of life, along with a summary of their accomplishments, in a chapter appropriately labeled "Members of a Democracy Hall of Fame."

         In undertaking this work, the author were guided by a distinguished Board of Advisors, many of whom have served in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. As a result, this account of the development and functioning of our "republic" described by Franklin can meet the needs of other people striving to gain freedoms like ours.

        The text is a significant learning instrument for Americans as well as for people everywhere, whether they are students in schools, colleges or adult education programs or whether they serve as legislators, jurists, teachers, or diplomats. Equally important, perhaps, is this book’s value for everyone new to our country.

       If the dreams of citizens in the new democracies are to be realized, however, their conception of democracy needs to be realistic. This book helps to achieve this goal, because it focuses on how to establish new democracies and to improve or maintain those already in operation. The modern meaning of democracy is used: a form of government in which the ultimate power rests with its citizens or their elected representatives. It is a government in which citizenship status is nonrestrictive and in which their people can make their choices on a fair, timely, and confidential basis.

         As is emphasized in this book, the positive results from democratic government do not take place automatically. Far from being a magic formula guaranteeing freedom from tyranny and want, democratic governance requires a willingness of citizens to work unrelentingly to build and maintain cooperative relationships among themselves as well as with their neighbors across national borders. There have not been wars between democracies.

         When people began to plan and operate their government, democratic processes sometimes appear complicated and the obstacles formidable. Individuals not accustomed to making governmental or economic decisions may become insecure, because day-to-day activities will be much less predictable than they were in a controlled society. As a consequence, enlightened leaders, sincerely attempting to help their countries find freedom and equality of opportunity, are seeking guidance from those of us who have enjoyed the results of democratic governments designed by our own wise founders.

         During conversation with many people at various leadership levels, I have observed their intense interest in democratic processes. They want to learn about the problems their government may face along with alternatives that must be considered to avoid or reduce dangers to new democracies.

         I am pleased to say that the urgent need for information that can be critical to the success of democracies was recognized by members of the United States Congress and other distinguished American citizens comprising the Board of Advisors of the College of Democracy when they requested that this book be written. Their objective to produce a book that would be easy to read, readily understandable, free from unnecessary jargon, and full of valid information has been achieved. Unequaled in its comprehensiveness and frank discussion of issues that must be faced in both old and young democracies, it is an important and powerful tool for everyone striving to establish and maintain the best form of government that exists.

         This book carries a positive message. Democracies have proven to be superior forms of government. Such governments are achievable when people are willing to participate actively in the responsibilities of government. They are inevitable when everyone recognizes that the human rights of each person are sacred. But, the forces that endanger democratic principles must be identified, recognized as destructive, and controlled if we are to have new democracies and keep strong those democratic republics that already exist. Those seeking an understanding and appreciation of the critical issues that must be resolved in democracies will find reading this book a rewarding experience because it is full of suggestions they will find helpful."

      A note about the use of "The Evolution of A Democracy" and "How to Establish a Democracy or Improve the One You Now Have": These books are in many United States libraries, with one librarian stating that the first one was the most widely used non - fiction book they had. They are also used overseas in a number of countries. For example, in Ethiopia they are used for training in democracy thousands of young adults, and in Kenya, where sections are read and discussed over the radio on a regular basis.