American Business and Political Power Public Opinion, Elections, and Democracy

Author/creator Smith, Mark A., 1970- Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoChicago : University of Chicago Press Chicago : Chicago Distribution Center [Distributor]
Description245 p. ill 09.000 x 06.000 in.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects

SeriesStudies in Communication, Media, and Public Opinion
Summary Annotation <div>Most people believe that large corporations wield enormous political power when they lobby for policies as a cohesive bloc. With this controversial book, Mark A. Smith sets conventional wisdom on its head. In a systematic analysis of postwar lawmaking, Smith reveals that business loses in legislative battles unless it has public backing. This surprising conclusion holds because the types of issues that lead businesses to band together&#8212;such as tax rates, air pollution, and product liability&#8212;also receive the most media attention. The ensuing debates give citizens the information they need to hold their representatives accountable and make elections a choice between contrasting policy programs.<br /><br />Rather than succumbing to corporate America, Smith argues, representatives paradoxically become more responsive to their constituents when facing a united corporate front. Corporations gain the most influence over legislation when they work with organizations such as think tanks to shape Americans' beliefs about what government should and should not do.</div>
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
LCCN 00008248
ISBN9780226764627
ISBN0226764621 (Trade Cloth) Active Record
Standard identifier# 9780226764627
Stock number00027142

Availability

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Electronic Resources Access Content Online ✔ Available