America (The Book)

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America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction is a 2004 non-fiction book written by Jon Stewart and others who were and are writers of The Daily Show that parodies and satirizes American politics and worldview. It is a mock-textbook complete with study guide, discussion questions, classroom projects, and "visual aids". It was written in a pessimistic tone in order to show what the Founders idealized for America, and what it became. It also features a chapter on "the rest of the world", where American stereotypes of other nations are capitalized on. A 2006 Teacher's Edition was released featuring professor emeritus Stanley K. Schultz correcting the satirical mistakes.

In 2010, a sequel called Earth (the Book): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race was released. The premise of the book is presenting a satirical summary of human existence intended to be read by aliens in the future. Everything from child rearing to banking to human anatomy is addressed in this book.

Chapter 1: Democracy Before America

This chapter begins with hunters and gatherers as political parties and ends with the Enlightenment.

Chapter 2: The Founding of America

Here, the authors send up the founding of the United States

Chapter 3: The President: King of Democracy

The office of the presidency has increased in scope, and the authors discuss.

Chapter 4: Congress: Quagmire of Freedom

The purpose of the Congress is mocked.

Chapter 5: The Judicial Branch: It Rules

From the local food court to the Supreme Court, this chapter covers them all.

Chapter 6: Campaigns and Elections: America Changes the Sheets

If one has ever wondered how sausage is made, this chapter provides an equally unpleasant alternative.

Chapter 7: The Media: Democracy’s Valiant Vulgarians

While definitely outdated due to this book being originally written in 2004, the media is skewered.

Chapter 8: The Future of Democracy: Four Score and Seven Years from Now

A largely speculative chapter focused on America in the future.

Chapter 9: The Rest of the World: International House of Horrors

This chapter has typical American stereotypes of most of the other regions of the world.

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