Beyond Politics: The Roots of Government Failure - Softcover

Simmons, Randy T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1598130420 ISBN 13: 9781598130423

Publisher: Independent Institute, 2011

Synopsis

Providing students of economics, politics, and policy with a concise explanation of public choice, markets, property, and political and economic processes, this record identifies what kinds of actions are beyond the ability of government. Combining public choice with studies of the value of property rights, markets, and institutions, this account produces a much different picture of modern political economy than the one accepted by mainstream political scientists and welfare economists. It demonstrates that when citizens request that their governments do more than it is possible, net benefits are reduced, costs are increased, and wealth and freedom are diminished. Solutions are also suggested with the goal to improve the lot of those who should be the ultimate sovereigns in a democracy: the citizens.

About this title

From the Author:

Randy T. Simmons is a senior fellow at the Independent Institute, the Charles G. Koch Professor of Economics, the director of the Institute of Political Economy at Utah State University, and the former mayor of Providence, Utah. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Utah League of Cities and Towns as well as a member of the Utah Governor's Privatization Commission. He is the author of several books, including The Political Economy of Culture and Norms. He lives in Providence, Utah. Gordon Tullock is a former professor of law and economics at George Mason University and the author of numerous books, including The Calculus of Consent. In 1996 he was elected to the American Political Science Review Hall of Fame.

Review:

"Throughout the world, publics are looking for a new conception of government and its role. Happily, there is a whole new theory that fills the bill called ‘public choice,’ and which is clearly and persuasively presented in the excellent book, Beyond Politics."  —Robert L. Bartley, late editor, Wall Street Journal

"Beyond Politics is a solid work in all respects. Truly a praiseworthy book, it is well written and carefully organized, providing a rich contrast between orthodox notions of democracy and the public choice alternative."  —Richard E. Wagner, Harris Professor of Economics, George Mason University

"Beyond Politics is a valuable analysis, making a cogent case for thoroughly rethinking what government should do. The book deserves wide reading." —John Engler, former Governor of Michigan

“We have needed an answer to the question often asked: ‘Can you refer me to a single book that will explain in simple language what Public Choice is all about?’ Beyond Politics by William Mitchell and Randy Simmons meets this need superbly.”  —James M. Buchanan, Nobel Laureate in Economic Science, Center for the Study of Public Choice, George Mason University

"Beyond Politics is a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the failures of U.S. governmental policies, with important suggestions for how to correct them. The book is a thorough introduction to what is wrong with America’s political system with remedies for its failure."  —Dennis C. Mueller, professor of economics, University of Maryland

"Mitchell and Simmons make a lucid case for a market economy and limited constitutional government. Beyond Politics is the most effective introduction to this topic that is now available." —William A. Niskanen, former chairman, President’s Council of Economic Advisors

"Beyond Politics is so well written and interesting that it appeals even to those, like me, who may disagree with several of its arguments.”  —Mancur Olson, Jr., late professor of economics, University of Maryland

About this edition

• Publisher: Independent Institute
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1598130420
• ISBN 13: 9781598130423
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384