The State and Democracy

Revitalizing America's Government

Marc V. Levine, Carol MacLennan, John J. Kushma, Charles Noble, Jeff Faux, Marcus G. Raskin

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9781040400838
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Democracy
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Corporate domination of public policy during the Reagan years resulted not only in increasing inequality and deteriorating living standards for millions of Americans, but in a diminution in the capacity of government to solve basic problems that are not amenable to market-oriented solutions.

The authors of The State and Democracy (originally published in 1988) propose a new public philosophy for America: one which comprises communitarian values; governments at all levels which actively pursue the public interest; a participatory political culture; and a democratic, accountable process of public choice. Because of the authors' extensive experience both inside and outside government, they offer a fresh, interdisciplinary perspective based not only on extensive research and study, but also on first-hand experience.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Original Title Page
• Original Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Series editor’s preface
• Acknowledgments
• 1 Introduction: The State and Democracy in America—Historical Patterns and Current Possibilities
• 2 Participation and the Democratic Agenda: Theory and Praxis
• 3 The Democratic Administration of Government
• 4 Rebuilding the Regulatory State: Prospects for Environmental and Worker Protection
• 5 Economic Development in States and Cities: Toward Democratic and Strategic Planning in State and Local Government
• 6 New Institutions for the Post-Reagan Economy
• 7 Democracy versus the National Security State
• 8 Realizing the Promise of Democracy in America’s Third Century
• Index
• Contributors