1.   American democracy has often been described as a sham but rarely as shambolic.

2.   Amid a fierce dispute between two views of American democracy, the Union came dangerously close to dissolving while the nation voted for its third president.

3.   American democracy suffered a grievous wound this year in Florida.

4.   American democracy first stirred at Plymouth.

5.   American democracy, contrary to the declinist fear, has become more tempered in dealing with partisan tension than it used to be.

6.   American democracy will receive a needed boost if voters begin demanding the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth from their politicians.

7.   And by the end of the day, enduring symbols of American democracy stood empty, symbols of vulnerablity instead.

8.   And yet, in a scandal that has produced no obvious winners, the country has kept faith with the institutions of American democracy.

9.   Answers are not likely to appease Islamic totalitarianism, but they are increasingly important for the evolution of American democracy and culture.

10.   Another part of the genius of American democracy is that whatever damage Clinton has inflicted is limited to his administration.