Reviews
"Americans want government policies to be transparent, straightforward, and fair but many social programs are confusing and opaque and shower benefits disproportionately on the well-to-do. In this timely, penetrating, and highly readable book, Suzanne Mettler illuminates the hidden government benefits and subsidies that comprise our 'submerged state' and demonstrates how its murky operation impairs democratic practice and weakens civic engagement."-Eric M. Patashnik, University of Virginia, Why do Americans find government so baffling and irritating-even though many of us depend on public programs for a secure retirement, an affordable mortgage, or a college loan? In this timely and important book, political scientist Suzanne Mettler explains how the United States has come to rely on hidden, indirect policies that privilege special interests but puzzle regular citizens. American democracy can do better, and she shows how. Politicians and the public alike have much to learn from her brilliant and engaging analysis., The Submerged State is a vitally important analysis for anyone who has bemoaned the inertia and inequities of modern US politics., Why do Americans find government so baffling and irritating--even though many of us depend on public programs for a secure retirement, an affordable mortgage, or a college loan? In this timely and important book, political scientist Suzanne Mettler explains how the United States has come to rely on hidden, indirect policies that privilege special interests but puzzle regular citizens. American democracy can do better, and she shows how. Politicians and the public alike have much to learn from her brilliant and engaging analysis., Americans want government policies to be transparent, straightforward, and fair, but many social programs are confusing and opaque and shower benefits disproportionately on the well-to-do. In this timely, penetrating, and highly readable book, Suzanne Mettler illuminates the hidden government benefits and subsidies that comprise our 'submerged state' and demonstrates how its murky operation impairs democratic practice and weakens civic engagement., "[I]nformative [and] engaging. . . . This is an important, well-reasoned, welcome volume. Highly recommended." , Mettler demonstrates convincingly that the submerged state perpetuates economic inequality as well as confusion, ignorance, and apathy. The average citizen would benefit greatly if, as far as possible, Mettler's prescriptions for the reduction of the submerged state were to be effected., [I]nformative [and] engaging. . . . This is an important, well-reasoned, welcome volume. Highly recommended., "Why do Americans find government so baffling and irritating-even though many of us depend on public programs for a secure retirement, an affordable mortgage, or a college loan? In this timely and important book, political scientist Suzanne Mettler explains how the United States has come to rely on hidden, indirect policies that privilege special interests but puzzle regular citizens. American democracy can do better, and she shows how. Politicians and the public alike have much to learn from her brilliant and engaging analysis."-Theda Skocpol, Harvard University
