Tax Crusaders and the Politics of Direct Democracy

Name: Tax Crusaders and the Politics of Direct Democracy
Brand: Routledge
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

By Smith, Daniel A.

0 - Default Title

Description

Daniel A. Smith exposes the truth about the American tax revolt. Contrary to conventional wisdom, recent ballot initiatives to limit state taxes have not been the result of a groundswell of public outrage; rather, they have been carefully orchestrated from the top down by professional tax crusaders: political entrepreneurs with their own mission. These faux populist initiatives--in contrast to genuine grassroots movements--involve minimal citizen participation. Instead, the tax crusaders hire public relations firms and use special interest groups to do the legwork and influence public opinion. Although they successfully tap into the pervasive anti-tax public mood by using populist rhetoric, these organizations serve corporate interests rather than groups of concerned neighbors. The author shows that direct democracy can, ironically, lead to diminished public involvement in government. Smith looks at the key players, following the trail of money and power in three important initiatives: Proposition 13 in California (1978), Proposition 2 1/2 in Massachusetts (1980), and Amendment 1 in Colorado (1992). He provides a thorough history of tax limitation movements in America, showing how direct democracy can be manipulated to subvert the democratic process and frustrate the public good.

Product details

Edition:: 1
Number of Pages:: 264
Release Date:: 1998-07-01
Publication Date:: 1998-07-30
Publisher:: Routledge
Languages:: Original: English
ISBN10:: 0415919916
ISBN13:: 9780415919913
GPSR Manufacturer Reference:: [email protected]
Weight:: 538 g
Height:: 15.7 cm
Width:: 23.5 cm
Thickness:: 1.9 cm

Buy on Amazon

Currently sold out