Great Broadening: How the Vast Expansion of the Policymaking Agenda Transformed American Politics

The Great Broadening explains the causes, internal dynamics, and consequences of the US government's expansion into new policy areas such as health care, civil rights, and gender issues since the 1970s, driven by activist groups and the beneficiaries of government policies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 25 June 2019
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The United States witnessed a significant expansion in national policy-making during the late 1950s and continued through the 1970s. During this period, the federal government expanded its scope into policy arenas previously left to civil society or state and local governments. This phenomenon is known as "The Great Broadening." Bryan D. Jones, Sean M. Theriault, and Michelle Whyman, in their book "The Great Broadening," delve into the causes, internal dynamics, and consequences of this extended burst of activity. They argue that the broadening of government responsibilities into new policy areas such as health care, civil rights, and gender issues, as well as the increasing depth of existing government programs, explain many of the changes in American politics since the 1970s.

Increasing government attention to particular issues was motivated by activist groups. These activist groups pushed for government action on issues that they believed were important to their communities. As a result, the government policies that emerged became the beneficiaries of these activist groups, leading to their support for the government's activities. This broad acceptance of the government's role was a significant milestone in American political history.

However, this broadening and deepening of government also produced a reaction from groups critical of its activities. These groups organized to resist and roll back the growth of the government. They argued that the government's expansion was unnecessary and that it was infringing on individual rights and freedoms. The debate over the role of the government in society continues to be a topic of discussion and debate in American politics.

In conclusion, "The Great Broadening" was a period of significant expansion in national policy-making in the United States. It was driven by activist groups and the government's response to their demands. While the broadening and deepening of government produced positive outcomes in some areas, it also led to resistance and criticism from groups who believed in limited government. The debate over the role of the government in society continues to be a topic of discussion and debate in American politics.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226625942