Corporate domination of public policy during the Reagan years resulted not only in increasing inequality and deteriorating living standards for millions of Americans, but in a diminution in the capacity of government to solve basic problems that are not amenable to market-oriented solutions.

The authors of The State and Democracy (originally published in 1988) propose a new public philosophy for America: one which comprises communitarian values; governments at all levels which actively pursue the public interest; a participatory political culture; and a democratic, accountable process of public choice. Because of the authors' extensive experience both inside and outside government, they offer a fresh, interdisciplinary perspective based not only on extensive research and study, but also on first-hand experience.