Abstract
In her study of the two greatest revolutions of the 18th century, Hannah Arendt praises the American revolution for its endeavour to establish political freedom by means of founding lasting political institutions and a free public space. She contrasts these efforts with the endeavour of the French revolution to liberate the masses from misery.
The author proceeds to consider the reasons why the so called revolutionary spirit has withered in America. The main reson,she believes, lies in the nature of the representative system.
The final chapter, based on the experience with the council system in 20th century Europe and on Thomas Jefferson''s "republic of the wards", proposes a possible renewal of direct political participation