A practical examination of political organizing, democratic institutions, and the long work of building political power.

American democracy is shaped by much more than presidential elections. Local offices, state governments, courts, political parties, congressional rules, election administration, and organized citizens all influence who holds power and what government can accomplish.

Ben Wikler and This Is the Plan for Democracy is an independent companion examining the political ideas and organizing strategy associated with Ben Wikler’s This Is the Plan: How to End America’s Meltdown and Save Democracy.

Diana S. Kanter takes a broader analytical approach to the questions raised by Wikler’s work. Why does year-round organizing matter? What can Wisconsin teach the rest of the country? Why are state and local elections so consequential? How do relationships influence persuasion? What roles do political parties, courts, voting rules, gerrymandering, congressional procedure, and the Electoral College play in determining democratic power?

The discussion goes beyond explanation. Dedicated Commentary and Analysis, Democratic-Institution Context Notes, Strategy and Decision Reviews, and Lessons and Implications examine both the strengths and limitations of the political strategies under consideration.

Written for general readers, the book offers an accessible way to understand grassroots organizing, electoral competition, institutional reform, democratic resilience, and the relationship between winning elections and governing effectively.

Readers who want Wikler’s complete arguments, original stories, humor, examples, and full presentation should obtain and read the original book.

This is an independently written work inspired by This Is the Plan: How to End America’s Meltdown and Save Democracy by Ben Wikler.