This instant New York Times bestselling political book is “an essential companion for anyone who suspects that politics is in fact for everyone, and that the time to put skin in the game is right now” (Dahlia Lithwick, New York Times bestselling author)—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 an “accessible and urgent” (Kirkus Reviews), dare we say fun, guide to how America works and a roadmap to reclaiming a government of, by, and for the people. 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, 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 lays 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.