The Politics of Power: A Critical Introduction to American Government

by Ira Katznelson, Mark Kesselman, Alan Draper

A book with a point of view. This brief introduction to American government highlights the ongoing tension between capitalism and democracy. With recent political conflict over issues such as how to rein in Wall Street, expand access to health care, put Americans back to work, and plan for an increasingly globalized future, the time is ripe for a new edition of The Politics of Power .

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, College

392 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was first introduced to this book by a collectivist professor back in college. I found it intriguing at first, but soon realized it was only so much drivel. Unless you think socialism is tenable, you probably will have a tough time getting past the second chapter without throwing the book across the room and into the fireplace.

I enjoy books written by those who hold views in opposition to my own, but only if they are well written and well reasoned. This book is mediocre on the first part and abysmal on the second. I imagine the arguments (if you can call them that) this book contains are only persuasive to the blank slates out there or those already meandering down the road of socialist ideology.

Here's a sample quote from the second chapter on "Global Capitalism and American Politics" for you to consider:

Not only is wage labor the characteristic form that labor takes within a capitalist society, but also relations within the workplace and the economy as a whole are highly undemocratic...Within the entire economy, those who own and control companies decide what to produce, where to produce it, and how to produce it. It is often claimed that this authoritarian situation is the price that must be paid to achieve maximum efficiency.

[Chris brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

first three chapters were required reading for a political science class, just finished.

if you are a conservative, middle to upper class, white, male in favor of smaller government & an unrestricted business sector, or identify with those idéologies; you won't like this book.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was required reading for a college political science class. The book is heavily biased in favor of liberals and socialists. I am neither of those and therefore this book was a chore for me to read.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left-leaning, slightly bland, but solid, factual information.