A Return to Common Sense

How to Fix America Before We Really Blow It

By: Leigh McGowan

Narrated by: Leigh McGowan

A political book for non-political people from viral TikTok sensation PoliticsGirl.

Something’s gone wrong in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. We can all feel it, but if we’re being honest, most of us don’t understand it. At the end of the day, we don’t have all the facts, and if you don’t know how something works, how do you fix it?

A Return to Common Sense is a concise, no-nonsense, dare we say fun, guide to how America works and a roadmap to reclaiming a government of, by, and for the people.

If we truly want to be a land of freedom and opportunity where everyone has a shot at a good life, we must acknowledge the ideals of America are in danger, but worth saving. We fought a revolutionary war for the idea of self-governance and pursuit of happiness—we can’t just give up on it now.

To address the crisis, Leigh McGowan offers Six American Principles. Six ideals, rooted in history, that we can all agree make America, America.

1. America is a land of freedom.

2. Everyone should have the opportunity to rise.

3. Every citizen should have a vote, and that vote should count.

4. Representatives should represent the people who elected them.

5. The law applies to all of us.

6. Government should be a force for good.

Using the Six Principles as guideposts, this book will lay out suggestions for America, to not only find its way out of the mess it’s currently in, but to set a course for a future of which we can all be truly proud.

It’s time to find the courage to step out of our comfort zones and off our team benches to reboot America. If we start here, we start strong.

We can fix this, but the way forward starts with understanding.

©2024 Leigh McGowan (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Politics is Our Business

loved the way you explained the American system of governance in a clear concisive way, but drawing our attention as to it's pitfalls and how we can go about changing it. this book comes at a very important time in American and world history, voters are encouraged to go beneath the surface and examine the facts is an open minded way. my husband is American, I'm not, so having read this book has given me a whole new understanding of America. a must read for every voter in the US! Sarah.

Politics explained in a straightforward manner

Leigh McGowen has accomplished her research and explained brilliantly how we need to return to common sense in politics.
The need for a review of what this country has fought for, a review of civic governance, and the passionate commitment to keep our democracy is palpable. To say I loved it would be an understatement. I certainly would take the time to read this again. I highly recommend this book. It is a message every American should hear and absorb.

simplicity

The layout and organization of this book makes federal government easy to understand if you need a recap. each of the six principles are laid out with a foundation of what it is, how it was messed up, and what can be done to improve when it comes to saving democracy in America. A must read for understanding and saving democracy.

The chapter on the danger of our Supreme Court. Chilling.

This piece of work is thought provoking and a great reminder to learn more about my dear Country and our Government.

A Champion of Democracy

Leigh is a great champion of the Middle Class and the protector of our Democracy!

The warning that faces us today.

I like the sense of optimism mixed with fear that the author left me with. I am concerned though that the efforts that need to be taken will come either too late or will occur too slowly to make any difference in our lifetime, Then again, I'm a pessimist.

Perfect for real patriots!

Leigh knows what she is talking about. She’s smart, she researches, and she really wants this country to be the best we can be instead of the sliding down the fascist direction we are currently on. If you aren’t a fan of her Politics Girl posts and videos, you will be!

Politics For Dummies

Leigh explains how government works so simply and clearly. You don't need a PHD to understand. Loved this book.

Leigh should be every person’s civics teacher

McGowan breaks down our most complex government systems, their history, pros, cons, vulnerabilities and possibilities with her gift for crystal clear storytelling. I was riveted and consider myself a devotee of history and quite civics literate and still learned so much!

Very enlightening

I really appreciate the well studied subject, especially the analysis of the period since I took American Government in school (70s). Thank you for the thorough explanation and I think all new voters should be required to take a Civics class before being allowed to vote. We encourage people to register and vote without making sure they understand what and who they are voting for or against.