Description
Book SynopsisA provocative examination of the property tax revolt of the 1970s that explains why contemporary American politics is now consumed with conflicts over big tax cuts.
Trade Review"Isaac William Martin offers an important and insightful addition to this research strand, presenting a powerful mix of social policy assessment, social movement analysis, political science, and economic sociology. ...Martin's book is recommended reading to all interested in the linkages between social policy, social movements, and taxation."—Rafael Marques,
American Journal of Sociology"A very informative and stimulating read."—
Marginal Revolution"A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the true origins of the fiscal crisis of the United States."—Edwin Amenta, author of
When Movements Matter and
Bold Relief"
The Permanent Tax Revolt tells a surprising story about the anti-tax movement that has dominated American politics for the past several decades. In a welcome break with market fundamentalism, this lively, well-written, and insightful book casts much-needed new light on debates about tax politics, the welfare state, and contemporary social movements."—Chris Rhomberg, Yale University
Table of Contents1 Introducing the Tax Revolt 1 2 A Seedbed of Taxpayer Revolt: The Modernization of the American Property Tax 25 3 The Outbreak of a Tax Protest Movement 50 4 The Two Faces of Federalism 74 5 A New Ball Game: How the Tax Revolt Turned Right 98 6 Welcome to the Tax Cutting Party: How the Tax Revolt Transformed Republican Politics 126 7 American Exceptionalism Reconsidered 146 Epilogue: Lessons of the Tax Revolt 166 Appendix 1: How Great Was the Tax Privilege of Fractional Assessment? 175 Appendix 2: Was Proposition 13 Really a Turning Point? 181 Appendix 3: How Did Tax Limitation Policies Affect the Politics of Taxation? 185 Archival Sources and Their Abbreviations 189
