America's political party system is dying, Mack says, and it is
being replaced by major interest groups that are using their vast
grassroots networks and financial resources to take over the
parties' traditional functions. These interests include advocacy
organizations for labor, the environment, minorities, and other
causes often competitive with business interests. Mack lays out
specific actions business organizations need to undertake if they
are to compete in the politics and lobbying of the future. He
analyzes the factors that will change American society and the
business-government relationship over the next quarter-century, and
that are bringing about the demise of political parties. Campaign
finanace restrictions are only one of these factors, he says, but
they may be the final blow to the parties' last remaining asset,
their ability to raise large amounts of money.
To affect the outcomes of future elections and legislative
issues, corporations and business associations must go beyond
merely financing political campaigns. They need to become more
deeply involved in grassroots politics and to be more effective in
influencing public opinion on issues and candidates. The most
important of the specific steps the book recommends is innovative
expansion of issue advertising programs to affect voter opinion on
issues profoundly affecting business that will be on legislative
agendas for decades-among them, international trade, immigration,
social security, national savings, and campaign finance.
Mack explains the law and practicalities of political activity.
He also shows how issues advocacy works to affect current
legislation, political campaigns, and long-term issues. He includes
model ads and cases to show how various political and legislative
tools can be applied. The book concludes with an analysis of the
consequences of the tumultuous 2000 elections for tomorroW's
politics and issues.
Mack's book will be useful and important reading for government
relations, public affairs, and association executives, and for
public policy professionals in the academic community concerned
about the future of American politics and its impacts on business
and the legislative process.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!