Rogues, Rebels, And Rubber Stamps: The Politics Of The Chicago City Council, 1863 To The Present (Urban Policy Challenges) [Paperback]

Dick Simpson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0813397634 | ISBN-13: 978-0813397634 | Publication Date: January 26, 2001 0

In Rogues, Rebels, and Rubber Stamps, Dick Simpson challenges and recasts current theories of Regime Politics as he chronicles the dramatic story of the civic wars in the Chicago City Council since the civil war. At the same time, the author provides a window into the broader struggle for democracy and justice.Simpson points out that through analyzing city council floor fights, battles at the ballot box, and street demonstrations, one can begin to see certain patterns of conflict emerge. These patterns demonstrate that before the Great Depression, fragmented city councils were dominant. The author also discusses how since the Democrats seized control of Chicago government after the Great Depression, Rubber Stamp City Councils have been predominant, although they have been punctuated by brief eras of council wars and chaos. This book is important for anyone wanting to understand the nature of these battles as a guideline for America's future, and is well suited for courses in urban politics, affairs and history.Rogues, Rebels, and Rubber Stamps received an Honorable Mention for the 2001 Society of Midland Authors Book Award for Adult Non-Fiction.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dick Simpson is a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a former Chicago Alderman, and a former congressional candidate. He is also the author of numerous books, video documentaries, and professional journal articles on elections and urban politics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 356 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press (January 26, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813397634
• ISBN-13: 978-0813397634
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #790,487 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 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Chicago Machine Still Lives, February 27, 2001

By 

rita anderson (Chicago Il) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rogues, Rebels, And Rubber Stamps: The Politics Of The Chicago City Council, 1863 To The Present (Urban Policy Challenges) (Paperback)

It was quite enlightening see who Richard M.Daley has aligned himself with and how the city is really run. I'd say this is a must read for anyone who lives in the city of Chicago.It's a shame more people don't pay more attention to the power behind the power.

5.0 out of 5 stars The cancer spreads, November 30, 2010

By 

ed hammer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rogues, Rebels, And Rubber Stamps: The Politics Of The Chicago City Council, 1863 To The Present (Urban Policy Challenges) (Paperback)

The political cancer described and challenged in this book has spread from Chicago to all of Illinois government and maybe even Washington. This book must be read by all to encourage a change in our cowardly rubber stamp system of politics. A companion read is One Hundred Percent Guilty: How an Insider Links the Death of Six Children to the Politics of Convicted Illinois Governor George Ryan