We Hold These "Truths"

“This book is the crash course in civics that America needs." —Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THINK AGAIN, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

"Dismantles dozens of myths about American politics in the service of rebuilding American democracy." —Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author and former White House speechwriter

"A bracing and often entertaining corrective to some misinformation about the way things work." —Kirkus Reviews

In this clear-eyed guide, America’s political experts cut through the spin and expose the myths holding our democracy back.

Our political system is bogged down by convenient falsehoods, fuelled by those who benefit from the chaos. These myths distort our view of government and prevent us from solving real problems, leaving many Americans feeling frustrated and hopeless.

In We Hold These Truths, former congressional staffer turned George Washington University grad school professor Casey Burgat leads a diverse team of officials, academics, and experts from both sides of the aisle to expose the lies at the heart of our political dysfunction. They debunk talking points about presidential power, the Constitution, term limits, lobbyists, and more—offering real-world insights into how our government actually works.

Replacing myths with clarity and solutions, We Hold These Truths empowers us all to see past the distractions, understand the system, and demand the kind of government that will actually bring about positive change.

Chapters:

“The Founders, In Their Infinite Wisdom…” by Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky

“Members of Congress Don't Do Anything” by Rep. Derek Kilmer

“The President Should Just…” by Alyssa Farah Griffin

“I vote the issues, not the party” by Dr. Lilliana Mason

"The Supreme Court Has Become Politicized" by Steve Vladeck

“Politicians Are Bought and Paid For” by Rep. Steve Israel

“Bipartisanship is Dead” by Dr. Frances E. Lee and Dr. James Curry

“The Filibuster Forces Compromise" by Adam Jentleson

“I Wish the Parties Would Work Together” by Rep. Bill Pascrell

“Lobbyists Are Evil” by Rev. Quardricos Driskell

"The Media Wants to Polarize Us” by Matt Fuller

"Keep Your Politics Out of My Sports" by Jane McManus