Political Control of the Economy [Paperback]

Edward R. Tufte (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A remarkable study, one that is provocative and concise, sometimes brazen in its theoretical assumptions and assertions, laced throughout with elegance and wit. Amid the vast outpouring of contemporary social science, (this) truly is a book for all seasons, important to every scholar interested in the relationship of elections, government, and public policy. -- American Political Science Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (May 1, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691021805
• ISBN-13: 978-0691021805
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #824,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Politics and the economy--a two way street, March 23, 2010

By 

Steven A. Peterson (Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL)) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Political Control of the Economy (Paperback)

The premise of this book is stated early on (Page ix): ". . .I seek to show how certain political variables determine macroeconomic outcomes in a systematic and predictable way. In particular, I provide evidence demonstrating the role of elections and political parties in deciding who gets what, when, and how in the political arena."

This dynamic is a two-way street. On the one hand, he notes that the state of the economy has an effect on elections. Is the economy in bad shape? The incumbent party takes a beating. Is the economy healthy? The incumbent party may reap some rewards.

Hmmm. On the other hand, would that not suggest that the party in power would engage in manipulation of the economy for electoral gain?
Tufte also provides some evidence that the party in power will work to "juice up" the economy in an election year. One story: Richard Nixon sending a personal note to all retirees about his administration having increased Social Security payments (coincidentally, the note arrived just before a presidential election, in October of 1972).

A golden oldie that still has relevance today. . . .