Budgeting: Politics and Power

I don't understand the 3 and 4 ratings that a few reviewers gave this book. It is an EASY read, and one I recommend to all US citizens as it breaks down the governmental budgetary process from start to finish. One of the authors, I won't say which, is a professor at the university I attend--and absolutely brilliant. Not only would readers come to a fullness of understanding concerning the process but also clarity concerning the ins and outs of the government shutdowns/showdowns we often hear about.If citizens better understood the process of budgeting: on the local, state, and federal levels, we would all make decisions about whom we elect based on everything except red -v- blue. The answers are in understanding "green."This book is all about providing understanding concerning the flow of goods and services in terms of the decision-making process of the government actors who decide how and where to spend resources.The budget is as much a political tool as is a city's charter or a state/federal government's constitution. If you want to know what a government cares about--beyond what its politicians profess--look no further than its budget. Don't like the new stadium being built 10 miles from the old one? Would you rather see the potholes fixed instead? Do you want to know how much money we spend annually on covert surveillance operations above and beyond defense activities? If you answered yes to any of these things, then you care about the budget.My ONLY gripe with this book is that there wasn't a copy available​ for me to purchase when I needed it most. I had to rent it from amazon...and now I'm a bit ticked that, if I were to purchase a copy now, I would be spending 20+ bucks above the purchase price. Bottomline, get this book. Read it and re-read it so that you can teach others. This might be the MOST important aspect of public policy, yet we as citizens know little to nothing about it.

Was for class

I really anticipated any book on political budgeting to be a snooze and hard to understand but this book keeps it really light and communicates very clearly. I'm nicely surprised by how good it is for a book on this subject.

Good size book, hard for understand for class, but eventually after several reads.It arrived so fast, i was happy about that.Great condition and no complaints!

Too long and overwhelming to read. The material is dry and long-winded. It is filled with seemingly one-sided information, but there is great information as well. Just wish it was more grasping.

was the textbook I needed and fast service

It's a good book, covers what you need without a bias or overload.

Required text for MPA class.