We the Fallen People

The Founders and the Future of American Democracy

By: Robert Tracy McKenzie

Narrated by: Bob Souer

The success and survival of American democracy have never been guaranteed.

What we must do, argues the historian Robert Tracy McKenzie, is take an unflinching look at the very nature of democracy - its strengths and weaknesses, what it can promise, and where it overreaches. And this means we must take an unflinching look at ourselves.

We the Fallen People presents a close look at the ideas of human nature to be found in the history of American democratic thought. McKenzie, following C. S. Lewis, claims there are only two reasons to believe in majority rule: because we have confidence in human nature - or because we don't. The Founders subscribed to the biblical principle that humans are fallen and their virtue is always doubtful, and they wrote the US Constitution to frame a republic intended to handle our weaknesses. But by the presidency of Andrew Jackson, contrary ideas about humanity's inherent goodness were already taking deep root among Americans, bearing fruit in such perils as we now face for the future of democracy.

Focusing on the careful reasoning of the Founders, the seismic shifts of the Jacksonian Era, and the often misunderstood but still piercing analysis of Tocqueville's Democracy in America, McKenzie guides us in a conversation with the past that can help us see the present - and ourselves - with new insight.

©2021 Robert Tracy McKenzie (P)2021 eChristian

Thoughtful reflection and historical perspective, but ultimately no easy answer

When Hillary Clinton misquoted de Tocqueville by saying ‘America is great because she is good’ she betrayed the liberal presupposition that that Americans are, in fact, “good.” The contrary presupposition of Christianity and our Founding Fathers (not necessarily the same) is that America is composed of fallen people who are capable of virtue, and at our best when we practice it. But too often we stumble, which is why we need a constitutional republic—not a strict democracy—with plenty of checks and balances. Only a generation after the framing of our constitution, Andrew Jackson stood this all on its head—assuming mob rule can work, because the mob is composed of “good people” (who, conveniently, adore their strong leader). And the historical parallels between his populism and Trump’s are uncanny—despite each one leading the opposite political party of their time—which should set off warning bells for us today: the perils to our system of self government come principally from within….if we’re not careful, we become our own worst enemy.

What I didn't Know about our Democracy

I highly recommend this book. I will be a wiser American and Christian from what I have learned. I so appreciate the author's research and humble critique of American democracy. Very insightful and very sobering!

Excellent historical analysis and theological reflection

McKenzie helps us think deeply and Christianly about our current political situation with helpful suggestions for response and action. Great narration in audiobook.

The strengths and weaknesses of a democracy

The humour in this book is nearly half the reason why I love it. Sometimes sardonic and often catching me off guard, because it's buried in the middle of some sober analysis.
Many was the time I'd burst out laughing, while listening to Bob Souer's narration.

Robert McKenzie points out in the clearest terms that democracy is not an absolute basis for good government - its only as good as the people who vote - if the majority are bad, their collective decisions will be bad.
The author spends a lot of time analysing the sagely writings of Alexis de Tocqueville. This is time well spent. It's remarkable how frequently politicians and the media on both the left and right, misquote De Tocqueville and twist his words to support their point of view.
Hearing an evangelical give such a candid assessment of the Evangelical Church's attachment to the Republican party is incredibly refreshing. For example, the author speaks frankly about the spiritual anomaly of "the church" throwing such unalloyed support behind Donald Trump. He writes in no uncertain terms about the blatant hypocrisy this represents. He does this without telling his readers to go and vote for Hillary or Bernie Sanders instead.
Overall, this book is chock-full of wisdom, with what I consider a very balanced assessment of both the strengths and the limitations of a democratically elected government.
Mckenzie is a historian who appears to be both pragmatic and yet unashamedly Christian. The book was so well written and so engaging. It's one of those that when you come to the end, you wish there was more.