Includes bibliographical references (p. 203-225) and index.
Contents
Interests and principles in political life -- The principles of cynical realism -- Altruism and interests -- Interests and principles -- Principles as political weapons -- Becoming realistically cynical -- Public opinion: myths and realities -- Advertising -- Publicity -- Measuring opinion -- Elections and the limits of popular government -- Voting as a means of regulating popular political activity -- The limits of voting -- Political marketing -- Private interests and public policies -- Mobilization bias -- Organizational bias -- Private capture -- Pathologies of government -- Popular influence and state power -- Who governs? -- Delegation of power -- Presidential power -- The citizen and the state -- Conclusion: why participate in politics? -- The myth of political leadership -- Public lies and private purposes -- State secrets -- Practicing defensive politics.