Tax Crusaders and the Politics of Direct Democracy

ISBN-13: 9780415919913 / Angielski / Twarda / 1998 / 264 str.

Daniel A. Smith

Opis

This volume provides a history of tax limitation movements in America, showing how direct democracy can, ironically, lead to diminished public involvement in government. Contrary to conventional wisdom, recent ballot initiatives to limit state taxes in the USA have not been the result of a groundswell of public outrage. Instead, they have been carefully orchestrated from the top down by professional tax crusaders: political entrepreneurs with their own agenda.

Recenzje

"Smith's research is extremely well documented, and he provides a resource guide for those who want to learn more about the initiative process and current ballot measures." -- Booklist
"Smith's book is essential reading for anyone who cares about representative democracy in America. In this penetrating analysis of entrepreneurial populism, the author demonstrates that direct democracy--which is challenging the current system--may have at its foundation astroturf rather than grass roots." -- Alan Rosenthal, Rutgers University

Spis treści

Preface: Direct Democracy and Conventional Wisdom 1 The Politics of Direct Democracy 2 Taxes, The Initiative Process, and the Legacy of Howard Jarvis 3 Populism and Faus Populist Moments 4 Howard Jarvis, the United Organizations of Taxpayers, and the Los Angeles Apartment Owners Association -- Propping Up Proposition 13 5 Barbara Anderson, Citizens for Limited Taxation, and the Massachusetts Hight Tech Council -- Going High Tech 6 Douglass Bruce and Colorado's Taxpayers Bill of Rights -- A Solo Crusade 7 The Process of Direct Democracy and the Appeal of Faux Populism Notes; Resource Guide; Bibliography; Index

O autorze

Daniel A. Smith is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Denver. This is his first book.