Ian Shapiro

Stephen Skowronek

Daniel Galvin

Institutions shape every dimension of politics. This volume collects original essays on how such institutions are formed, operated, and changed, both in theory and in practice. Ranging across formal institutions of government such as legislatures, courts, and bureaucracies and intermediary institutions such as labor unions and party systems, the contributors show how these instruments of control give shape to the state, articulate its relationships, and express its legitimacy. Rethinking Political Institutions captures the state of the art in the study of the art of the state. Drawing on some of the leading scholars in the field, this volume includes essays on issues of social power, public policy and programs, judicial review, and cross-national institutions. Rethinking Political Institutions is an essential addition to the debate on the significance of political institutions, in light of democracy, social change and power. Contributors: Elisabeth S. Clemens, Jon Elster, John Ferejohn, Terry M. Moe, Claus Offe, Paul Pierson, Ulrich K. Preuss, Rogers M. Smith, Kathleen Thelen, Mark Tushnet, R. Kent Weaver, Margaret Weir, Keith E. Whittington

The Art of the State

Rethinking Political Institutions

Matthew Glassman

Seventeen essays illuminate critical junctures in American political development—from the social movements for women's suffrage, civil rights, and workers' rights, to Reconstruction, to the regulation of prescription drugs—as vantage points from which to examine how change is enacted.

American Politics in the Making

Formative Acts

Karen Orren

Introduction: Public policy and state formation -- The policy motive -- Rights in the policy state -- Structure in the policy state -- Politics in the policy state

An American Predicament

The Policy State

A classic on the politics of leadership, now expanded to include a new chapter on the Obama presidency. Examines the typical political problems that presidents confront and how they assert their authority in the service of change.

Stephen Skowronek

Books

Your next favorite book is out there