America's model of representational government rests on the premise that
elected officials respond to the opinions of citizens. This is a myth,
however, not a reality, according to James N. Druckman and Lawrence R.
Jacobs. In Who Governs?, Druckman and Jacobs combine existing research
with novel data from US presidential archives to show that presidents
make policy by largely ignoring the views of most citizens in favor of
affluent and well-connected political insiders. Presidents treat the
public as pliable, priming it to focus on personality traits and often
ignoring it on policies that fail to become salient.
Melding big debates about democratic theory with existing research on
American politics and innovative use of the archives of three modern
presidents--Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan--Druckman and Jacobs deploy
lively and insightful analysis to show that the conventional model of
representative democracy bears little resemblance to the actual practice
of American politics. The authors conclude by arguing that polyarchy and
the promotion of accelerated citizen mobilization and elite competition
can improve democratic responsiveness. An incisive study of American
politics and the flaws of representative government, this book will be
warmly welcomed by readers interested in US politics, public opinion,
democratic theory, and the fecklessness of American leadership and
decision-making.
