The Spirit of Compromise

In "The Spirit of Compromise," political thinkers Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson analyze the challenges of achieving compromise in American democracy, linking it to the dominance of campaigning over governing. They contrast the mindsets required for effective governance with those prioritized during electoral campaigns, using historical examples to illustrate the dynamics. The authors also propose institutional and procedural reforms aimed at fostering greater cooperation and balance between campaigning and governing in contemporary politics.