Why People Don't Trust Government

Edited by Joseph S. Nye, Jr.

Edited by Philip D. Zelikow

Edited by David C. King

  • A Choice Outstanding Academic Book

Preface

Introduction: The Decline of Confidence in Government
Joseph S. Nye, Jr.

PART ONE: The Scope and Performance of Government

The Evolving Scope of Government
Ernest R. May

Measuring the Performance of Government
Derek Bok

Fall from Grace: The Public's Loss of Faith in Government
Gary Orren

PART TWO: The Menu of Explanations

Is It Really the Economy Stupid?
Robert Z. Lawrence

Social and Cultural Causes of Dissatisfaction with U.S. Government
Jane Manbridge

The Polarization of American Parties and Mistrust of Government
David C. King

The Politics of Mistrust
Richard E. Neustadt

PART THREE: Data on Public Attitudes toward Governance

Changing Attitudes in America
Robert J. Blendon, John M. Benson, Richard Morin, Drew E. Altman, Mollyann Brodie, Mario Brossard, And Matt James

Postmaterialist Values and the Erosion of Institutional Authority
Ronald Inglehart

Public Trust and Democracy in Japan
Susan J. Pharr

Conclusion: Reflections, Conjectures, and Puzzles
Joseph S. Nye, Jr., and Philip D. Zelikow

Notes

Contributors

Index

  • Cover: Why People Don't Trust Government
  • A photo of the author

author photo by Martha Stewart

Joseph S. Nye, Jr., is Dean of the Faculty and Don K. Price Professor of Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Philip D. Zelikow is White Burkett Miller Professor of History at the University of Virginia.

David C. King is Associate Professor of Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.