264 Pages
by
Routledge
240 Pages
by
Routledge
Also available as eBook on:
Daniel A. Smith exposes the truth about the American tax revolt. Contrary to conventional wisdom, recent ballot initiatives to limit state taxes have not been the result of a groundswell of public outrage; rather, they have been carefully orchestrated from the top down by professional tax crusaders: political entrepreneurs with their own mission. These faux populist initiatives--in contrast to... Read more
Preface: Direct Democracy and Conventional Wisdom 1 The Politics of Direct Democracy 2 Taxes, The Initiative Process, and the Legacy of Howard Jarvis 3 Populism and Faus Populist Moments 4 Howard Jarvis, the United Organizations of Taxpayers, and the Los Angeles Apartment Owners Association -- Propping Up Proposition 13 5 Barbara Anderson, Citizens for Limited Taxation, and the Massachusetts Hight Tech Council -- Going High Tech 6 Douglass Bruce and Colorado's Taxpayers Bill of Rights -- A Solo Crusade 7 The Process of Direct Democracy and the Appeal of Faux Populism Notes; Resource Guide; Bibliography; Index
Biography
Daniel A. Smith is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Denver. This is his first book.
"Smith's research is extremely well documented, and he provides a resource guide for those who want to learn more about the initiative process and current ballot measures." -- Booklist
"Smith's book is essential reading for anyone who cares about representative democracy in America. In this penetrating analysis of entrepreneurial populism, the author demonstrates that direct democracy--which is challenging the current system--may have at its foundation astroturf rather than grass roots." -- Alan Rosenthal, Rutgers University
