Description
Book SynopsisMuch has changed in US politics since the historic 2008 election. While the press covers the actions and agendas of the new administration, other impacts of this political shift have not received as much attention. These changes have forced the nation to rethink the necessary role of government, the role of the private market, the impact of science, technology, and information, and, ultimately, our place in the world. What Do We Expect From Our Government? provides a glimpse at this set of developments by focusing on a number of policies, such as climate change, immigration, and terrorism, as well as governance processes such as oversight, elections and campaigns, and regulation. It highlights the role of research in public sector decision-making, the role of the academy, the relationship between economic imperatives and scientific information, and dealing with uncertainty and change. In addition, it includes attention to broader issues such as national economic and fiscal policies and
Trade ReviewBeryl Radin and Joshua Chanin take us on an informative and provocative journey focusing on our changing times and challenging our expectations of the role of government. Their collection of essays, emanating from a Conference commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the American University School of Public Affairs, moves from historical background to analysis of current critical issues to the barriers to policy implementation and the task of seeking reforms. This book should be required reading for policy makers, academicians, business and civic leaders. -- Connie Morella, Former Maryland Congresswoman, and Ambassador in Residence, American University
A comprehensive study by legislative and executive staggers and scholars as to whether government should materially expand its responsibilities in areas like economic protection and regulation. The writers conclude that expansion in these areas in necessary to protect the public. Particularly pertinent today. A book you will want in your professional library. -- Robert Cleary, American University
This excellent set of essays focus on a key question in all democracies—what should 'we the people' expect of our government. The authors strongly argue for what should be self-evident but is too often missing in the political process—evidence-based policy making to tackle such difficult issues as poverty, climate change, migration and terrorism. This book is a must-read for policy makers and those who study the policy process. -- Susan Martin, Georgetown University
Table of Contents1 Forward 2 Introduction: What Do We Expect from Our Government? Part 3 One: The Policy and Historical Context Chapter 4 1. The FDR Legacy: Yesterday and Today Chapter 5 2. The Economic Crisis: How Can We Deal with It? Chapter 6 3. Worrying about Equity Issues: The Case of Youth Policy and Poverty Part 7 Two: Policy Debates Chapter 8 4. Climate Change, the Economic Crisis, and Prospectus for the Future 9 Climate Change Panel Summary Chapter 10 5. Countering Myths about Terrorism: Some Lessons Learned from the Global Terrorism Database 11 Terrorism Panel Summary Chapter 12 6. What Do We Expect from our Government Representatives on Immigration? 13 Immigration Panel Summary Part 14 Three: Focusing on Processes Chapter 15 7. Transition Time at the National Level: The Government, Congress, and Party Leaders 16 Oversight Panel Summary Chapter 17 8. What Do We Expect from Our Elections? 18 Elections and Campaigns Panel Summary Chapter 19 9. Restoring Public Protections: Regulatory Challenges Confronting President Obama and the 111th Congress 20 Regulation Panel Summary 21 About the Editors 22 Conference Information
