Best Democracy Books of 2025

The Final Battle: The Next Election Could Be the Last by David Horowitz is a thought-provoking book that exposes the real threat that Democrats pose to freedom. Horowitz reveals the hallmarks of their strategies, including the double standard in justice, citizenship as disposable, and the so-called "cancel culture." He argues that attacks on these quintessentially American customs undermine the possibility of bipartisan solutions to common problems and put the American way of life at risk. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of American democracy.

One Thought Scares Me… by Richard Dreyfuss is a powerful call to action for the revival of civics education in American schools. The author argues that the lack of teaching critical thinking skills, mental agility, and civics education has led to the deterioration of all aspects of American life. He shows us the path to reclaiming our American ideals by providing a deep understanding of the Bill of Rights, Constitution, and Enlightenment values that underpin them. This book is an important read for anyone who cares about the future of American democracy.

Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson is a thought-provoking book that explains how America, once a model of democracy, is now on the verge of autocracy. Richardson argues that a small group of wealthy individuals has made war on American ideals, weaponizing language and promoting false history, leading us into authoritarianism. To take back the country, Richardson believes that we must remember the marginalized Americans who have always upheld the principles on which this nation was founded. Richardson's expertise allows her to pivot from the Founders to Mitch McConnell, highlighting the political legacies of the New Deal, the lingering fears of socialism, and the birth of “movement conservatism.” This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the current state of American politics.

A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn is a classic national bestseller that provides a different perspective on American history. It challenges the official narrative taught in schools and instead tells the story of America's women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers. The book covers major events in American history and shows how many of the country's greatest battles were fought at the grassroots level. The book is insightful and well-researched, and its introduction by Anthony Arnove adds more value. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand America's true history and its hope for the future.

Freedom's Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power by Jefferson Cowie is a Pulitzer Prize-winning history book that traces the fight against federal power by white Americans in Barbour County, Alabama. The author explores how white people weaponized freedom to oppress others and dominate Native lands, secede, overthrow Reconstruction, question the New Deal, and fight against the civil rights movement. The book is immersive, haunting, and a powerful reminder that White supremacist ideas of freedom are deeply embedded in American politics. It's an outstanding and urgent read for anyone who wants to understand the unholy union between racism and the rabid loathing of government.

Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman is a classic book providing a definitive statement on economic philosophy. It explains how capitalism can serve as a device for achieving economic freedom and a necessary condition for political freedom, while avoiding the threat it poses to individual freedom. This book has sold nearly a million copies and continues to inform economic thinking and policymaking around the world. The new edition includes prefaces written by Friedman and a foreword by Binyamin Appelbaum. It is a must-read for anyone interested in economic history and the principles of economic freedom.

The Storm Before the Calm by George Friedman is a thought-provoking and insightful analysis of the cycles that have shaped American history, and how they are converging in the late 2020s. The author predicts upheaval and possible conflict, but ultimately increased strength, stability, and power for the United States. The book covers a range of issues, including the size and scope of the federal government, the future of marriage and the social contract, shifts in corporate structures, and new cultural trends. Overall, it is a fascinating and entertaining read that offers a unique perspective on America's past, present, and future.

A Watchman in the Night is a must-read for those interested in American politics and culture. Cal Thomas, a prominent syndicated columnist, takes the reader on a journey through his 50 years of journalism, offering commentary and critique on both sides of the political divide. Thomas's commitment to addressing issues publicly and his unwavering belief in certain values and principles make this book unique. He challenges readers to take the high road and honor civic and religious ideals with compatible behavior. Overall, this book offers incisive, humorous, and corrective commentary on our social, political, and religious conversations.

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century is a thought-provoking guide for resisting America's potential turn towards authoritarianism. Timothy Snyder draws parallels between the past and present to demonstrate how our political order is facing new threats, similar to those of the twentieth century. He urges readers to learn from history and provides invaluable ideas for how we can preserve our freedoms in the years to come. This book is a call to arms and an essential read for anyone concerned about the future of democracy.

The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence is a must-have pocket-sized book for every American. It includes the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence, which are the fundamental documents in American politics. This quick and easy reference provides a clear understanding of the federal government's structure, powers, and limitations. The book is a USA Today Bestseller and an affordable collection of some of the most valued writings in American history. The book review recommends it to all Americans, as it conveys the principles on which the country was founded and provides the ideals that still guide American politics today.