You Won Now What: How Americans Can Make Democracy Work from City Hall to the White House

Guidebooks on government range from optimistic management theory to critical political science studies. Political adviser Goddard and journalist Riback transcend the genre's limitations by offering a lucid overview of how government really works--""what happens after the campaign is over"" followed by realistic suggestions for change. Focusing on newly elected representatives, the authors highlight problems that neophyte politicians may encounter--avoiding personal responsibility, overly rosy expectations, inability to handle simultaneous conflicting tasks. Numerous examples of successes and failures in a range of government departments give weight to their advice. Decisions are examined in various ranks of public service, from a Texas state treasurer to a commissioner in Connecticut's Department of Transportation to a Philadelphia mayor. Goddard and Riback formulate recommendations that are applicable to every field, utilizing their expertise as seasoned political observers. This book would most benefit experienced officials and novice policymakers, though it will also be of interest to anyone seeking to understand how American politics operates and, more important, how politics can be changed. (Mar.)