Description: The Delegated Welfare State examines the development of the American welfare state through the lens of delegation: how policymakers have avoided direct governmental provision of benefits and services, turning to non-state actors for the governance of social programs. Utilizing case studies of Medicare and the 2009-10 health care reform, Morgan and Campbell argue that the prevalence of delegated governance reflects the powerful role of interest groups in American politics, the dominance of Congress in social policymaking, and deep contradictions in American public opinion. In probing both the causes and consequences of delegated governance, the book offers a novel interpretation of both American social welfare politics and the nature of the American state.
Review Quotes: "The Delegated Welfare State masterfully explains health care policy, welfare reform, and--ultimately--how American government really works. Fresh, powerful, elegant, deeply researched, and highly recommended."-James A. Morone, Professor of Political Science and Urban Studies, Brown University, and author of The Democratic Wish and co-author of The Heart of Power
"Medicare is all over the news these days--and the controversies can be mystifying. How can Republicans oppose cuts in Medicare spending, but still want to abolish the basic structure in favor of private vouchers? What did Democrats do with Medicare in the recent health reform legislation, and why? Answers to these puzzles are found in this excellent dissection of the 'delegated welfare state.' This is an important book, not just for scholars and students, but also for journalists, policymakers, and members of the educated public."*--Theda Skocpol, Professor of Government and Sociology, Harvard University, and co-author of Health Care Reform and American Politics"A major contribution to our understanding of American politics and the welfare state. Morgan and Campbell expertly use Medicare to explore how and why the private sector is given authority over public programs, and the problems that delegated governance creates."--Jonathan Oberlander, Professor of Social Medicine and Health Policy & Management, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and author of The Political Life of Medicare