DDL -- DD Reading List
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DDL Logo -- The 9-stripe Betsy Ross flag symbolizes the loss of the founding principles, as stated in the Declaration Of Independence, to the Constitution's arbitrary governance and its illegal ratification, which required only 9 elitist state conventions, instead of the 13 people's legislatures required by the standing, inviolable constitution, the Articles Of Confederation.
Voices For American
Direct Democracy
"DD Reading List" is a list of twenty-three books, most of which discuss direct democracy. DD activists should consider the list to be required reading. Of course, the list is just recommended reading for those who are not activists.
There are two versions of the list. The first is a loosely prioritized list. This list is what would appear in a course syllabus if I were teaching DD at the college level. Further syllabus-like keys are given in the intro.
The second is an alphabetized list of the same books, based on the last name of each author.

DD Reading List

© 2005-2007 by Stephen Neitzke --
stephen@ddleague-usa.net

There are two versions of the reading list here. The first is a loosely prioritized list. The second is an alphabetized list, by author's last name.

If I were teaching a college course in direct democracy, the prioritized list is the probable order in which the books would appear in the lecture series. The probable syllabus for the course would contain this additional information.

  • The first two books on the prioritized list are primarily reference books. Get familiar with them, read any entries or essays that interest you at first glance, but they'll be mostly used to cross-check or reinforce information in the other books.

  • Most of these books suffer from POV (point of view) problems. Most of them, especially the ones by Cronin and Wood, are rampantly biased from the elites' and govt's POV. Nonetheless, they contain valuable information for DD students and activists. All that is required of the reader is that he or she cut through the elitist's POV and interpret the material from the people's POV.

  • Most of the governance information that has passed in front of you, through your entire lifetime, has been governance seen from the elites' and govts' POV. You're probably more conditioned to accept governance seen from the elites' and govts' POV than you know.

  • You'll probably be shocked at how many surprises there are in learning to see governance from the people's POV.

  • Seeing governance from the ordinary people's point of view is the single most important skill that you will acquire in the study of direct democracy and its political philosophy. And the single most important book here with which to develop that skill is Michael Parenti's 2007 8th edition of Democracy For The Few.

    Prioritized Reading List

    (1) Judge Thomas M. Cooley, Principles of Constitutional Law. 2nd edition reprint of 1891 original, reset in modern type face. Santa Fe, NM: Law Research Group, March 2006.

    (2) M. Dane Waters, ed., The Initiative And Referendum Almanac. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2003.

    History, regulations in each state, and essays on reforms that have been accomplished with I&R. Contains a listing of every statewide initiative that has appeared on a ballot since 1904. Unfortunately, this very positive approach excludes those statewide initiatives that were unconstitutionally and arbitrarily rejected by state officials or judges, or that were withdrawn before reaching the ballot because of unacceptable changes arbitrarily made by state officials or judges who were unconstitutionally interferring with citizen-proposed law. (See the DDL website, "State Of The Republic, 1776-2004, Chapter 4, "Violating Constitutions", section (b), "I&R Unconstitutionalities".) Additional research is needed in each I&R state to fill in these very important, negative-effect blanks in I&R history.

    (3) Michael Parenti, Democracy For The Few Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing, 8th edition, 2007.

    A springboard into critical thinking about how US Govt and politics actually works, as opposed to how it is characterized by elites-controlled media. Ultimately, it is the best analysis we have of how the governing elites manufacture a facade of buzy political and economic fictions to conceal their behind-the-scenes corruptions and social engineering to limit and restrict political change.

    (4) Kris W. Kobach, The Referendum: Direct Democracy In Switzerland. England and Vermont: Dartmouth Publishing Co., 1993.

    Easily one of the most important books on direct democracy currently available. Subtle mechanisms in Swiss governance are explored in depth, providing lessons for an improved American version. Kobach's title is somewhat misleading. In addition to Switzerland, he discusses many countries as well as California. Although its lack of an index is sometimes maddening, it's nonetheless a book worthy of intensive study.

    (5) M.I. Finley, Democracy Ancient And Modern. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1973.

    (6) M. Carey, A History Of Rome: Down To The Reign Of Constantine. New York: St.Martin's Press, 2nd edition, 1967.

    Important chapters for the development and ending of direct democracy mixed with rep govt are 5, "The Sources for Early Roman History", 8, "The Conflict Of The Orders--The First Stage", 10, "The Conflict Of The Orders--The Second Stage", 11, "The Roman State In The Third Century BC", 18, "Domestic Politics In The Second Century [BC]", and 27, "The Rise Of Caesar To Supreme Power".

    (7) Polybius, The Histories. Translated by Mortimer Chambers. Edited and abridged, with an introduction by E. Badian. The Great Histories, a series under the general editorship of Hugh R. Trevor-Roper. See especially, Book VI (The Cycle of Constitutions; The Roman Constitution at Its Prime; The Roman Military System; Comparison of the Roman Constitution with Others; The Roman Constitution, Conclusion.) New York: Washington Square Press, 1966.

    (8) Joshua I. Miller, The Rise And Fall Of Democracy In Early America, 1630--1789: The Legacy For Contemporary Politics. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1991.

    (9) Gordon S. Wood, The Creation Of The American Republic, 1776-1787. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1969.

    (10) The National Economic League, The Initiative And Referendum: Arguments Pro And Con By A Special Committee Of The National Economic League. © 1912, J.W. Beatson. Published at Cambridge, MA: Caustic-Claflin Co., Printers.

    (11) Joseph F. Zimmerman, Participatory Democracy: Populism Revived. New York: Praeger, 1986.

    (12) Joseph F. Zimmerman, The New England Town Meeting: Democracy In Action. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, March 1999.

    (13) Joseph F. Zimmerman, The Initiative: Citizen Law-Making. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, December 1999.

    (14) Joseph F. Zimmerman, The Referendum: The People Decide Public Policy. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2001.

    (15) Lawrence Goodwyn, The Populist Moment: A Short History Of The Agrarian Revolt In America. New York and London: Oxford University Press, 1978.

    Excellent coverage of the co-op economics and People's Party formation during the Reform Era, Part One. This is the abridged version of Professor Goodwyn's 1976 book, Democratic Promise: The Populist Moment In America. The 1978 abridged version contains a particularly important "Introduction", which should be read by every pro-democracy activist. Professor Goodwyn is a timeless guru of democracy movements.

    (16) Thomas E. Cronin, Direct Democracy: The Politics Of Initiative, Referendum, And Recall. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1989.

    Substantial overview coverage of the birthing of citizen lawmaking and the recall in 26 states during the Reform Era, Part 2. The book contains excellent scholarship and is information intensive, but marred by language ridiculing direct democracy and its activists, as well as by repetitious and badly argued assertions that the people are not ready for direct democracy at the national level. Despite its bias against direct democracy and, by implication, for predator elitism, it is a good read for the issues, personalities, and organizations of the Era's Part 2.

    (17) David D. Schmidt, Citizen Lawmakers: The Ballot Initiative Revolution. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1989.

    Contains thumbnail histories of each I&R state's citizens gaining whatever citizen lawmaking features they have. Also contains an insightful history of 1970s and 1980s attempts to gain I&R at the national level -- see especially chapter 8, "National Initiative".

    (18) Laura Tillian, Direct Democracy: An Historical Analysis Of The Initiative, Referendum, And Recall Process. Los Angeles: People's Lobby, c.1977.

    Contains surprising considerations for the successful employment of direct democracy. Information intensive.

    (19) Elisabeth R. Gerber, The Populist Paradox: Interest Group Influence And The Promise Of Direct Legislation. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1999.

    (20) Elisabth R. Gerber, Stealing The Initiative: How State Government Responds To Direct Democracy. Princeton, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2000.

    (21) John W. Dean, Worse Than Watergate: The Secret Presidency Of George W. Bush. New York, Little Brown & Co., 2004.

    (22) G. Edward Griffin, The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look At The Federal Reserve. Westlake Village, CA: American Media, 4th Edition, June 2002.

    Griffin gives seven reasons why the Federal Reserve should be abolished, and then substantiates them. Based on a federal statute that violates the Constitution -- transferring Congress' specific duty to coin money and regulate its value to a private corporation -- the Fed unconstitutionally, feloniously, and treasonously imposes debt-based money and endless inflation with its endless usury of "fractional reserve banking", in which the lending of money is not lending at all, but rather the multiplication of the money supply. In an unrelated case, SCOTUS ruled in 1935 that -- "The Congress is not permitted to abdicate or to transfer to others the essential legislative functions with which it is thus vested." (Schechter Poultry Corp v. US -- 295 U.S. 495 -- 27 MAy 1935.) The blatant unconstitutionality of the Fed continues, supported by the predator politicians of both major parties.

    (23) Stephen A. Zarlenga, The Lost Science Of Money: The Mythology Of Money -- The Story Of Power. Vatatie, NY: American Monetary Institute, 2002.

    The nature and history of debt-based money systems, and why we need to institute a debt-free money system.

    Alphabetized Reading List

  1. M. Carey, A History Of Rome: Down To The Reign Of Constantine. New York: St.Martin's Press, 2nd edition, 1967.

  2. Judge Thomas M. Cooley, Principles of Constitutional Law. 2nd edition reprint of 1891 original, reset in modern type face. Santa Fe, NM: Law Research Group, March 2006.

  3. Thomas E. Cronin, Direct Democracy: The Politics Of Initiative, Referendum, And Recall. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1989.
    Substantial overview coverage of the birthing of citizen lawmaking and the recall in 26 states during the Reform Era, Part 2. The book contains excellent scholarship and is information intensive, but marred by language ridiculing direct democracy and its activists, as well as by repetitious and badly argued assertions that the people are not ready for direct democracy at the national level. Despite its bias against direct democracy and, by implication, for predator elitism, it is a good read for the issues, personalities, and organizations of the Era's Part 2.

  4. John W. Dean, Worse Than Watergate: The Secret Presidency Of George W. Bush. New York, Little Brown & Co., 2004.

  5. M.I. Finley, Democracy Ancient And Modern. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1973.

  6. Elisabeth R. Gerber, The Populist Paradox: Interest Group Influence And The Promise Of Direct Legislation. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1999.

  7. Elisabth R. Gerber, Stealing The Initiative: How State Government Responds To Direct Democracy. Princeton, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2000.

  8. Lawrence Goodwyn, The Populist Moment: A Short History Of The Agrarian Revolt In America. New York and London: Oxford University Press, 1978.
    Excellent coverage of the co-op economics and People's Party formation during the Reform Era, Part One. This is the abridged version of Professor Goodwyn's 1976 book, Democratic Promise: The Populist Moment In America. The 1978 abridged version contains a particularly important "Introduction", which should be read by every pro-democracy activist.

  9. G. Edward Griffin, The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look At The Federal Reserve. Westlake Village, CA: American Media, 4th Edition, June 2002.
    Griffin gives seven reasons why the Federal Reserve should be abolished, and then substantiates them. Based on a federal statute that violates the Constitution -- transferring Congress' specific duty to coin money and regulate its value to a private corporation -- the Fed unconstitutionally, feloniously, and treasonously imposes debt-based money and endless inflation with its endless usury of "fractional reserve banking", in which the lending of money is not lending at all, but rather the multiplication of the money supply. In an unrelated case, SCOTUS ruled in 1935 that -- "The Congress is not permitted to abdicate or to transfer to others the essential legislative functions with which it is thus vested." (Schechter Poultry Corp v. US -- 295 U.S. 495 -- 27 MAy 1935.) The blatant unconstitutionality of the Fed continues, supported by the predator politicians of both major parties.

  10. Kris W. Kobach, The Referendum: Direct Democracy In Switzerland. England and Vermont: Dartmouth Publishing Co., 1993.
    Easily one of the most important books on direct democracy currently available. Subtle mechanisms in Swiss governance are explored in depth, providing lessons for an improved American version. Kobach's title is somewhat misleading. In addition to Switzerland, he discusses many countries as well as California. Although its lack of an index is sometimes maddening, it's nonetheless a book worthy of intensive study.

  11. Joshua I. Miller, The Rise And Fall Of Democracy In Early America, 1630--1789: The Legacy For Contemporary Politics. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1991.

  12. The National Economic League, The Initiative And Referendum: Arguments Pro And Con By A Special Committee Of The National Economic League. © 1912, J.W. Beatson. Published at Cambridge, MA: Caustic-Claflin Co., Printers.

  13. Michael Parenti, Democracy For The Few Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing, 8th edition, 2007.
    A springboard into critical thinking about how US Govt and politics actually works, as opposed to how it is characterized by elites-controlled media. Ultimately, it is the best analysis we have of how the governing elites manufacture a facade of buzy political and economic fictions to conceal their behind-the-scenes corruptions and social engineering to limit and restrict political change.

  14. Polybius, The Histories. Translated by Mortimer Chambers. Edited and abridged, with an introduction by E. Badian. The Great Histories, a series under the general editorship of Hugh R. Trevor-Roper. See especially, Book VI (The Cycle of Constitutions; The Roman Constitution at Its Prime; The Roman Military System; Comparison of the Roman Constitution with Others; The Roman Constitution, Conclusion.) New York: Washington Square Press, 1966.

  15. David D. Schmidt, Citizen Lawmakers: The Ballot Initiative Revolution. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1989.
    Contains thumbnail histories of each I&R state's citizens gaining whatever citizen lawmaking features they have. Also contains an insightful history of 1970s and 1980s attempts to gain I&R at the national level -- see especially chapter 8, "National Initiative".

  16. Laura Tillian, Direct Democracy: An Historical Analysis Of The Initiative, Referendum, And Recall Process. Los Angeles: People's Lobby, c.1977.
    Contains surprising considerations for the successful employment of direct democracy. Information intensive.

  17. M. Dane Waters, ed., The Initiative And Referendum Almanac. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2003.
    History, regulations in each state, and essays on reforms that have been accomplished with I&R. Contains a listing of every statewide initiative that has appeared on a ballot since 1904. Unfortunately, this very positive approach excludes those statewide initiatives that were arbitrarily rejected by state officials or judges, or that were withdrawn before reaching the ballot because of unacceptable changes arbitrarily made by state officials or judges who were unconstitutionally interferring with citizen-proposed law. (See the DDL website, "State Of The Republic, 1776-2004, Chapter 4, "Violating Constitutions", section (b), "I&R Unconstitutionalities".) Additional research is needed in each I&R state to fill in these very important, negative-effect blanks in I&R history.

  18. Gordon S. Wood, The Creation Of The American Republic, 1776-1787. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1969.

  19. Stephen A. Zarlenga, The Lost Science Of Money: The Mythology Of Money -- The Story Of Power. Vatatie, NY: American Monetary Institute, 2002.
    The nature and history of debt-based money systems, and why we need to institute a debt-free money system.

  20. Joseph F. Zimmerman, Participatory Democracy: Populism Revived. New York: Praeger, 1986.

  21. Joseph F. Zimmerman, The New England Town Meeting: Democracy In Action. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, March 1999.

  22. Joseph F. Zimmerman, The Initiative: Citizen Law-Making. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, December 1999.

  23. Joseph F. Zimmerman, The Referendum: The People Decide Public Policy. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2001.


HOME || THE PLAN || Open Letter To Bruce--The Plan || Open Letter To Susan || Organized, Unorganized || Judicial Independence || Article 5 Constitutional Convention || DD POLITICAL PHILSOPHY || Executive Summary of Direct Democracy || Fundamental Governance Rights || TRG || 2nd Look--State Govt Unconstitutionalities || I&R Clean-Up || Electronic Constituent Assembly || AMERICAN REVOLUTION || Americans Reinventing Themselves || State Of The Republic, 1776-2004 || REFORM ERA || Reinventing II || The Fed--Jekyll Island Monster || 3-BRANCH DESPOTISM || Russo's "Freedom to Fascism" || American Homegrown Fascism || Bush-Cheney Proto-Despotism || Laws of War--Iraq || Judge Robertson and the MCA || Yellowstone Supereruption || Killing Rights--Anti-Abortion Legislative Felony || Dorf Concludes || ANTI-DD || Anti-DD Arguments || Half-Direct Democracy || RAGE || Open Letter To AARP || REFERENCE || DD Reading List || States DD Chart || Virginia Bill Of Rights, 1776 || Swiss Bill Of Rights, 1999 || ABOUT || DDL Objectives || TO TOP

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stephen@ddleague-usa.net

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