Ambitious Politicians

Author : Patrik Öhberg
Publisher : University Press of Kansas
Page : 168 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2017-05-12
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780700624232

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Ambitious Politicians by Patrik Öhberg Pdf

“[T]hose people who must want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it.” This is how writer Douglas Adams neatly expressed the common view of political ambition. And yet, it’s hard to imagine any politician getting far without it. Ambitious Politicians brings a welcome study and insight to this conundrum. Focusing first on the party-centered politics of European democracies, where career ambitions are necessarily different than those in the United States, Patrik Öhberg looks closely at what motivates those aiming at the highest level of the political hierarchy, how these motivators differ between more and less equalitarian societies, and how such ambitions play out. His book, which draws upon a uniquely extensive survey conducted by the Swedish National Election Study Program, is the first thorough study of elite politicians who aspire to the top echelons of the parliamentary system. Politicians with career ambitions have a distinct idea of representation, Öhberg finds; they display a higher degree of political self-regard and are more responsive to the wishes of the party elite in developing strategies. These findings vary among European democracies, and they differ from the traits and trajectories of political ambition in the United States. By identifying the subtleties and charting the differences, Öhberg offers a valuable lesson on whether and how representative democracies are served by politicians driven by personal ambition, or by those subverting such ambitions to the needs of party or state. Ambition, this timely book reminds us, has been crucial for political thinkers from Aristotle through the Founding Fathers to the latest candidate for higher office. Informed by history and social science theory, and grounded in a wealth of data, Ambitious Politicians expands our understanding of the important and changing role of such ambition in collective decision-making in our day.

Author : Alan Ehrenhalt
Publisher : Three Rivers Press
Page : 342 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 1992
Category : History
ISBN : PSU:000022769947

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The United States of Ambition by Alan Ehrenhalt Pdf

The provocative and acclaimed book that explains why America's politicians are continually disappointing. Americans' disappointment with politics and politicians will be a recurring theme in this election year, and Ehrenhalt's book will continue to be the touchstone for much of the debate.C.

Author : Jeffrey A. Becker
Publisher : University Press of Kentucky
Page : 273 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2014-05-22
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780813145051

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Ambition in America by Jeffrey A. Becker Pdf

Most Americans admire the determination and drive of artists, athletes, and CEOs, but they seem to despise similar ambition in their elected officials. The structure of political representation and the separation of powers detailed in the United States Co

Author : Weinberg, James
Publisher : Policy Press
Page : 232 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2020-07-22
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781529209181

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Who Enters Politics and Why? by Weinberg, James Pdf

Exploring unique survey and interview data on the personality characteristics of British politicians, this book provides a timely psychological analysis of those individuals who pursue political careers and how they represent their constituents once elected. Focusing specifically on the Basic Human Values of more than 150 MPs as well as hundreds of local councillors, Weinberg offers original insights into three compelling questions: Who enters politics and how are they different to the general public? Do politicians’ personality characteristics matter for their legislative behaviour? Do voters really get the ‘wrong’ politicians? Taking a fresh psychological approach to issues that are predominant in political science, this book casts new light on the human side of representative democracy.

Author : Reuben Zahler
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
Page : 352 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2013-12-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9780816521128

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Ambitious Rebels by Reuben Zahler Pdf

"By examining everyday life in Venezuela's post-colonial period, Reuben Zahler provides a broad perspective on conditions throughout the Americas and the tension between traditional norms and new liberal standards during Venezuela's transformation from aSpanish colony to a modern republic"--

Author : John H. Aldrich
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Page : 401 pages
File Size : 45,7 Mb
Release : 2012-07-24
Category : History
ISBN : 9780226012759

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Why Parties? by John H. Aldrich Pdf

Since its first appearance fifteen years ago, Why Parties? has become essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the nature of American political parties. In the interim, the party system has undergone some radical changes. In this landmark book, now rewritten for the new millennium, John H. Aldrich goes beyond the clamor of arguments over whether American political parties are in resurgence or decline and undertakes a wholesale reexamination of the foundations of the American party system. Surveying critical episodes in the development of American political parties—from their formation in the 1790s to the Civil War—Aldrich shows how they serve to combat three fundamental problems of democracy: how to regulate the number of people seeking public office, how to mobilize voters, and how to achieve and maintain the majorities needed to accomplish goals once in office. Aldrich brings this innovative account up to the present by looking at the profound changes in the character of political parties since World War II, especially in light of ongoing contemporary transformations, including the rise of the Republican Party in the South, and what those changes accomplish, such as the Obama Health Care plan. Finally, Why Parties? A Second Look offers a fuller consideration of party systems in general, especially the two-party system in the United States, and explains why this system is necessary for effective democracy.

Author : Linda L. Fowler,Robert D. McClure
Publisher : Yale University Press
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 1989-01-01
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 0300049013

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Political Ambition by Linda L. Fowler,Robert D. McClure Pdf

How do politicians decide whether or not to run for Congress? What is involved in the winnowing process that dictates, months before the election, the choices available to voters on the ballot? Using extensive interviews and analyses of district data and opinion polls, Linda Fowler and Robert McClure argue that House elections are intelligible only if we look beyond that declared candidates to those who could have run but chose not to. Their book, set in New York’s can Congressional District during the elections of 1984 and 1986, assesses the personal and contextual factors that motivate some individuals to enter a House race and induce others to remain on the sidelines. By uncovering the hidden obstacles that line the road to Washington, Fowler and McClure reveal why only the most ambitious men and women complete the journey. Fowler and McClure contend that the cost cna complexity of competitive House races now demand a level of commitment and advance planning that only those with a highly focused desire to serve in Congress can sustain. Despite the increased presence of national parties and PACs in congressional races, they say, it is the local political context that dominates the decision to run. Within this setting, individual candidates, not party organizations develop the strategies, manage the resources, and define the alternatives in most House races. Fowler and McClure discuss how changes in American politics such as reapportionment, the redistribution of power away from Washington, and the transformation of parties and interest groups affect the nation's supply of competitive office-seekers. And they devote special attention to the recruitment of female legislators, offering insight into the continued failure of women to make significant inroads into the House of Representatives.

Author : Aaron S. King
Publisher : Lexington Books
Page : 235 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2017-05-30
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781498544269

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Unfolding Ambition in Senate Primary Elections by Aaron S. King Pdf

Theories of ambition teach us that elected offices are valuable commodities to certain politicians, and under the right circumstances, the benefits of running for an office outweigh the associated risks. Yet, some ambitious politicians emerge as candidates while others do not. This book analyzes strategic candidacy decisions to explain how primary elections for the United States Senate unfold. With new, comprehensive data on pools of potential candidates, it examines the determinants of electoral and fundraising success, analyzes the importance of the timing of candidacy decisions and the strategic interactions of prospective officeholders, and investigates the impact of strategic retirements. Using both qualitative and quantitative tools, including event history techniques to capture the complex dynamics of these races, it concludes that the manner in which politicians interact with one another and the unique context within each campaign leads to individuals emerging from the pool of potential candidates in systematic ways. In the end, the strategic behavior of ambitious politicians has important implications for the slate of candidates available to the electorate and ultimately, the quality of representation between constituents and their legislators.

Author : Bonnie Marcus
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2015-03-23
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781118997420

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The Politics of Promotion by Bonnie Marcus Pdf

Break into the power circle and build relationships that advance careers The Politics of Promotion offers women the tools and guidance they need to successfully navigate the realities of their organization, emphasizing the need to understand office politics to get the promotions and recognition they deserve. Written by Bonnie Marcus, a professional coach who focuses on helping women advance their careers, this book demonstrates the impact of relationships and sponsorship on career trajectory. Readers will learn why excellence and achievement aren't propulsion enough to get ahead, and how networking with power and intention can make all the difference in perception, reputation, and promotion. Far beyond the typical advice of "be assertive" and "embrace ambition," this book provides a unique and proven method for becoming a bigger player in the workplace and avoiding unexpected trip-ups that can add years to the climb—or end it for good. Many women focus on performance, thinking that good work garners promotion. Too often, they're left outside of the circles of power and influence where decisions are made that affect their careers. The Politics of Promotion provides a framework for breaking into that circle, and taking control of one's own career path, specifically showing how to: Navigate office politics successfully Build and nurture key relationships Get comfortable with self-promotion Avoid potentially disastrous "blindsides" Women who want to advance cannot afford to view politics as "dirty." It's the reality of the workplace, one that differs between organizations and fluctuates over time. Although being savvy about office politics is important for both genders, unconscious bias and stereotypes create special challenges for women. Learning to navigate these complex rules and customs is the key to professional recognition for women, fostering relationships that reach far beyond the next evaluation. Women looking to get ahead will find that the insights in The Politics of Promotion can help smooth the way.

Author : Joseph A. Schlesinger
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 1966
Category : Political parties
ISBN : STANFORD:36105035156319

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Ambition and Politics by Joseph A. Schlesinger Pdf

Author : Jennifer L. Lawless
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 279 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2012
Category : Electronic book
ISBN : 1139214209

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Becoming a Candidate by Jennifer L. Lawless Pdf

"This book is about political ambition - who has it, how it is fostered, and how it evolves"--

Author : Eustache de Refuge
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 170 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 1961
Category : Courts and courtiers
ISBN : UOM:39015002445099

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A Practical Guide for Ambitious Politicians by Eustache de Refuge Pdf

Author : Louis Proal
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 380 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 1898
Category : Political corruption
ISBN : UIUC:30112020996044

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Political Crime by Louis Proal Pdf

Author : Theda Skocpol,Lawrence R. Jacobs
Publisher : Russell Sage Foundation
Page : 457 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2011-06-24
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781610447119

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Reaching for a New Deal by Theda Skocpol,Lawrence R. Jacobs Pdf

During his winning presidential campaign, Barack Obama promised to counter rising economic inequality and revitalize America's middle-class through a series of wide-ranging reforms. His transformational agenda sought to ensure affordable healthcare; reform the nation's schools and make college more affordable; promote clean and renewable energy; reform labor laws and immigration; and redistribute the tax burden from the middle class to wealthier citizens. The Wall Street crisis and economic downturn that erupted as Obama took office also put U.S. financial regulation on the agenda. By the middle of President Obama's first term in office, he had succeeded in advancing major reforms by legislative and administrative means. But a sluggish economic recovery from the deep recession of 2009, accompanied by polarized politics and governmental deadlock in Washington, DC, have raised questions about how far Obama's promised transformations can go. Reaching for a New Deal analyzes both the ambitious domestic policy of Obama's first two years and the consequent political backlash—up to and including the 2010 midterm elections. Reaching for a New Deal opens by assessing how the Obama administration overcame intense partisan struggles to achieve legislative victories in three areas—health care reform, federal higher education loans and grants, and financial regulation. Lawrence Jacobs and Theda Skocpol examine the landmark health care bill, signed into law in spring 2010, which extended affordable health benefits to millions of uninsured Americans after nearly 100 years of failed legislative attempts to do so. Suzanne Mettler explains how Obama succeeded in reorienting higher education policy by shifting loan administration from lenders to the federal government and extending generous tax tuition credits. Reaching for a New Deal also examines the domains in which Obama has used administrative action to further reforms in schools and labor law. The book concludes with examinations of three areas—energy, immigration, and taxes—where Obama's efforts at legislative compromises made little headway. Reaching for a New Deal combines probing analyses of Obama's domestic policy achievements with a big picture look at his change-oriented presidency. The book uses struggles over policy changes as a window into the larger dynamics of American politics and situates the current political era in relation to earlier pivotal junctures in U.S. government and public policy. It offers invaluable lessons about unfolding political transformations in the United States.

Author : George Grote
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 588 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 1888
Category : Greece
ISBN : UCAL:B3850996

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Historical Greece (concluded) by George Grote Pdf