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Kill Switch
by Adam Jentleson • 2021
The filibuster was born to protect slavery, not debate. That sin still decides who governs.
4.24
3k+
Kill Switch Summary
Kill Switch 89%
The filibuster was born to protect slavery, not debate. That sin still decides who governs.
by Adam Jentleson 2021
4.24
3k+ ratings
Why Nothing Works
by Marc J. Dunkelman • 2025
Progressivism has two souls: one builds, one stops. The stopper won, so nothing gets built.
3.79
1k+
Why Nothing Works Summary
Why Nothing Works 88%
Progressivism has two souls: one builds, one stops. The stopper won, so nothing gets built.
by Marc J. Dunkelman 2025
3.79
1k+ ratings
Public Citizens
by Paul Sabin • 2024
How liberal crusaders against big government paved the road for Reagan’s anti-government revolution.
3.82
199
Public Citizens Summary
Public Citizens 88%
How liberal crusaders against big government paved the road for Reagan’s anti-government revolution.
by Paul Sabin 2024
3.82
199 ratings
The Ministry of Common Sense
by Martin Lindstrom • 2020
Bureaucracy killed common sense. The companies that fought back built a department to revive it.
3.63
456
The Ministry of Common Sense Summary
The Ministry of Common Sense 88%
Bureaucracy killed common sense. The companies that fought back built a department to revive it.
by Martin Lindstrom 2020
3.63
456 ratings
It's Even Worse Than It Looks
by Thomas E. Mann • 2012
The debt ceiling as hostage, the filibuster as permanent veto: how one party broke democracy.
3.89
4k+
It's Even Worse Than It Looks Summary
It's Even Worse Than It Looks 88%
The debt ceiling as hostage, the filibuster as permanent veto: how one party broke democracy.
by Thomas E. Mann 2012
3.89
4k+ ratings
Systems Thinking in the Public Sector
by John Seddon • 2008
Why targets, inspections, and outsourcing make government worse, and how to actually fix it.
3.94
102
Systems Thinking in the Public Sector Summary
Systems Thinking in the Public Sector 88%
Why targets, inspections, and outsourcing make government worse, and how to actually fix it.
by John Seddon 2008
3.94
102 ratings
Life Without Lawyers
by Philip K. Howard • 2009
America didn't add too many laws. Law itself became the mindset, and common sense lost.
3.65
176
Life Without Lawyers Summary
Life Without Lawyers 87%
America didn't add too many laws. Law itself became the mindset, and common sense lost.
by Philip K. Howard 2009
3.65
176 ratings
Classics of Public Administration
by Jay M. Shafritz • 1978
From ancient duty to modern governance: the readings that built public administration.
3.65
287
Classics of Public Administration Summary
Classics of Public Administration 87%
From ancient duty to modern governance: the readings that built public administration.
by Jay M. Shafritz 1978
3.65
287 ratings
Broken Government
by John W. Dean • 2007
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
4.06
331
Broken Government Summary
Broken Government 87%
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
by John W. Dean 2007
4.06
331 ratings
Company
by Max Barry • 2006
His new company has no clients and no product. Asking why is a firing offense.
3.76
7k+
Company Summary
Company 87%
His new company has no clients and no product. Asking why is a firing offense.
by Max Barry 2006
3.76
7k+ ratings
The Broken Branch
by Thomas E. Mann • 2006
Built to lead, Congress now defers to the president, skips debate, and legislates in the dark.
3.76
290
The Broken Branch Summary
The Broken Branch 87%
Built to lead, Congress now defers to the president, skips debate, and legislates in the dark.
by Thomas E. Mann 2006
3.76
290 ratings
Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service
by Michael Lewis • 2025
Government is full of brilliant people you have never heard of. Michael Lewis introduces them.
4.18
16k+
Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service Summary
Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service 87%
Government is full of brilliant people you have never heard of. Michael Lewis introduces them.
by Michael Lewis 2025
4.18
16k+ ratings
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies
by Benjamin M. Studebaker • 2024
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
4.60
15
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies Summary
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies 87%
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
by Benjamin M. Studebaker 2024
4.60
15 ratings
Results
by Charlie Baker • 2022
A governor's playbook for fixing bureaucracy: capable people, honest data, relentless execution.
3.80
89
Results Summary
Results 87%
A governor's playbook for fixing bureaucracy: capable people, honest data, relentless execution.
by Charlie Baker 2022
3.80
89 ratings
Bring Back the Bureaucrats
by John DiIulio • 2014
Government grew. Bureaucracy didn't. The case for hiring federal workers to make it smaller.
3.22
32
Bring Back the Bureaucrats Summary
Bring Back the Bureaucrats 87%
Government grew. Bureaucracy didn't. The case for hiring federal workers to make it smaller.
by John DiIulio 2014
3.22
32 ratings
Demosclerosis
by Jonathan Rauch • 1994
Small groups outmaneuver large publics. The cost: a government that gets busier while doing less.
4.10
29
Demosclerosis Summary
Demosclerosis 87%
Small groups outmaneuver large publics. The cost: a government that gets busier while doing less.
by Jonathan Rauch 1994
4.10
29 ratings
How Not to Be a Politician
by Rory Stewart • 2023
A diplomat turned MP bets his career on fixing the prisons. The system fights back.
4.30
18k+
How Not to Be a Politician Summary
How Not to Be a Politician 87%
A diplomat turned MP bets his career on fixing the prisons. The system fights back.
by Rory Stewart 2023
4.30
18k+ ratings
Recoding America
by Jennifer Pahlka • 2023
Government's tech catastrophes share one cause: it treats code as a purchase, never a practice.
4.37
3k+
Recoding America Summary
Recoding America 87%
Government's tech catastrophes share one cause: it treats code as a purchase, never a practice.
by Jennifer Pahlka 2023
4.37
3k+ ratings
The Castle
by Franz Kafka • 1926
A land surveyor arrives in a snowbound village where the castle denies ever sending for him.
3.91
77k+
The Castle Summary
The Castle 87%
A land surveyor arrives in a snowbound village where the castle denies ever sending for him.
by Franz Kafka 1926
3.91
77k+ ratings
Public Administration and Public Affairs
by D. J. Henry • 1980
Designed for gridlock, American government still delivers. This is the machinery.
3.64
104
Public Administration and Public Affairs Summary
Public Administration and Public Affairs 87%
Designed for gridlock, American government still delivers. This is the machinery.
by D. J. Henry 1980
3.64
104 ratings
Fragmented Democracy
by Jamila Michener • 2018
Your zip code decides your Medicaid benefits. It also decides whether you bother with politics.
4.23
120
Fragmented Democracy Summary
Fragmented Democracy 87%
Your zip code decides your Medicaid benefits. It also decides whether you bother with politics.
by Jamila Michener 2018
4.23
120 ratings
Ungoverning
by Nancy L. Rosenblum • 2024
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
3.79
90
Ungoverning Summary
Ungoverning 87%
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
by Nancy L. Rosenblum 2024
3.79
90 ratings
The Factory
by Hiroko Oyamada • 2010
She shreds paper all day in a factory that holds a city inside it and reveals nothing.
3.30
12k+
The Factory Summary
The Factory 87%
She shreds paper all day in a factory that holds a city inside it and reveals nothing.
by Hiroko Oyamada 2010
3.30
12k+ ratings
Moral Mazes
by Robert Jackall • 1988
Corporate bureaucracy doesn't just set rules. It rewires what managers believe is right and wrong.
3.96
476
Moral Mazes Summary
Moral Mazes 86%
Corporate bureaucracy doesn't just set rules. It rewires what managers believe is right and wrong.
by Robert Jackall 1988
3.96
476 ratings
The Foundation Pit
by Andrei Platonov • 1994
A fired thinker digs a bottomless pit for a Soviet utopia that devours its builders.
3.78
7k+
The Foundation Pit Summary
The Foundation Pit 86%
A fired thinker digs a bottomless pit for a Soviet utopia that devours its builders.
by Andrei Platonov 1994
3.78
7k+ ratings
Republic, Lost
by Lawrence Lessig • 2011
America's government answers to funders, not voters. The corruption is legal, and it's by design.
4.18
3k+
Republic, Lost Summary
Republic, Lost 86%
America's government answers to funders, not voters. The corruption is legal, and it's by design.
by Lawrence Lessig 2011
4.18
3k+ ratings
Politics by Other Means
by Professor of Political Science Benjamin Ginsberg • 1990
When elections can't resolve political conflict, investigations, prosecutions, and press warfare do.
3.29
38
Politics by Other Means Summary
Politics by Other Means 86%
When elections can't resolve political conflict, investigations, prosecutions, and press warfare do.
by Professor of Political Science Benjamin Ginsberg 1990
3.29
38 ratings
The Stupidity Paradox
by Mats Alvesson • 2016
The most dangerous idea at work: thinking less makes everything run better.
3.61
530
The Stupidity Paradox Summary
The Stupidity Paradox 86%
The most dangerous idea at work: thinking less makes everything run better.
by Mats Alvesson 2016
3.61
530 ratings
Fault Lines in the Constitution
by Cynthia Levinson • 2017
Four times the Senate clout for small-state voters: the 1787 compromise still in charge.
4.00
614
Fault Lines in the Constitution Summary
Fault Lines in the Constitution 86%
Four times the Senate clout for small-state voters: the 1787 compromise still in charge.
by Cynthia Levinson 2017
4.00
614 ratings
The Tyranny of Metrics
by Jerry Z. Muller • 2017
The pursuit of measurable accountability is corrupting exactly the institutions it claims to fix.
3.69
2k+
The Tyranny of Metrics Summary
The Tyranny of Metrics 86%
The pursuit of measurable accountability is corrupting exactly the institutions it claims to fix.
by Jerry Z. Muller 2017
3.69
2k+ ratings
The Federal Management Playbook
by Ira Goldstein • 2016
Federal leadership follows different rules. A playbook for getting results inside the bureaucracy.
4.40
10
The Federal Management Playbook Summary
The Federal Management Playbook 86%
Federal leadership follows different rules. A playbook for getting results inside the bureaucracy.
by Ira Goldstein 2016
4.40
10 ratings
Relic
by William G. Howell • 2016
Built for a small farm nation, the Constitution cannot equip a superpower. One reform can.
3.41
101
Relic Summary
Relic 86%
Built for a small farm nation, the Constitution cannot equip a superpower. One reform can.
by William G. Howell 2016
3.41
101 ratings
The Utopia of Rules
by David Graeber • 2013
Every market reform increases paperwork. The violence, stupidity, and secret appeal of bureaucracy.
4.02
7k+
The Utopia of Rules Summary
The Utopia of Rules 86%
Every market reform increases paperwork. The violence, stupidity, and secret appeal of bureaucracy.
by David Graeber 2013
4.02
7k+ ratings
Capitalist Realism
by Mark Fisher • 2009
Capitalism won by making its alternatives unthinkable, and its dysfunctions feel like facts of life.
4.21
41k+
Capitalist Realism Summary
Capitalist Realism 86%
Capitalism won by making its alternatives unthinkable, and its dysfunctions feel like facts of life.
by Mark Fisher 2009
4.21
41k+ ratings
On Leadership
by Tony Blair • 2024
A prime minister's playbook: plan, focus, deliver, and why efficacy beats populism.
3.86
808
On Leadership Summary
On Leadership 86%
A prime minister's playbook: plan, focus, deliver, and why efficacy beats populism.
by Tony Blair 2024
3.86
808 ratings
The Unaccountability Machine
by Dan Davies • 2024
Why nobody is responsible: the machinery that absorbs blame and starves institutions of feedback.
3.74
1k+
The Unaccountability Machine Summary
The Unaccountability Machine 86%
Why nobody is responsible: the machinery that absorbs blame and starves institutions of feedback.
by Dan Davies 2024
3.74
1k+ ratings
Simpler
by Cass R. Sunstein • 2013
Regulation doesn't need more weight; it needs simplicity, smarter defaults, and behavioral insight.
3.58
535
Simpler Summary
Simpler 86%
Regulation doesn't need more weight; it needs simplicity, smarter defaults, and behavioral insight.
by Cass R. Sunstein 2013
3.58
535 ratings
The Rise and Decline of Nations
by Mancur Olson • 1982
Not lazy workers or bad policy: stable societies choke on accumulated interest groups.
3.96
534
The Rise and Decline of Nations Summary
The Rise and Decline of Nations 86%
Not lazy workers or bad policy: stable societies choke on accumulated interest groups.
by Mancur Olson 1982
3.96
534 ratings
The Power and Independence of the Federal Reserve
by Peter Conti-Brown • 2016
The Fed wasn't born independent: three political remakings built it, each driven by personality.
4.21
137
The Power and Independence of the Federal Reserve Summary
The Power and Independence of the Federal Reserve 86%
The Fed wasn't born independent: three political remakings built it, each driven by personality.
by Peter Conti-Brown 2016
4.21
137 ratings
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings
by Sarah Cooper • 2016
Why drawing on sticky notes and asking vague strategic questions gets you further than actual work.
3.91
2k+
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings Summary
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings 86%
Why drawing on sticky notes and asking vague strategic questions gets you further than actual work.
by Sarah Cooper 2016
3.91
2k+ ratings
The End of Power
by Moisés Naím • 2013
Power is crumbling everywhere at once. The three hidden forces dismantling every hierarchy.
3.63
4k+
The End of Power Summary
The End of Power 86%
Power is crumbling everywhere at once. The three hidden forces dismantling every hierarchy.
by Moisés Naím 2013
3.63
4k+ ratings
The Peter Principle
by Laurence J. Peter • 1969
Why every boss seems incompetent: you get promoted until the work defeats you.
3.75
4k+
The Peter Principle Summary
The Peter Principle 86%
Why every boss seems incompetent: you get promoted until the work defeats you.
by Laurence J. Peter 1969
3.75
4k+ ratings
Political Order and Political Decay
by Francis Fukuyama • 2014
Build democracy before the state, and politics becomes clientelism, not good government.
4.34
5k+
Political Order and Political Decay Summary
Political Order and Political Decay 86%
Build democracy before the state, and politics becomes clientelism, not good government.
by Francis Fukuyama 2014
4.34
5k+ ratings
Building a New American State
by Stephen Skowronek • 1982
Before the New Deal, there was the Progressive Era: how America built its administrative state.
3.75
57
Building a New American State Summary
Building a New American State 86%
Before the New Deal, there was the Progressive Era: how America built its administrative state.
by Stephen Skowronek 1982
3.75
57 ratings
Tetralogue
by Timothy Williamson • 2014
A turnaround expert sees Rome's fate repeating in America and drafts a radical constitutional cure.
3.32
481
Tetralogue Summary
Tetralogue 86%
A turnaround expert sees Rome's fate repeating in America and drafts a radical constitutional cure.
by Timothy Williamson 2014
3.32
481 ratings
Slack
by Tom DeMarco • 2001
Efficiency that cuts every buffer leaves organizations that can sprint but never pivot.
4.02
2k+
Slack Summary
Slack 86%
Efficiency that cuts every buffer leaves organizations that can sprint but never pivot.
by Tom DeMarco 2001
4.02
2k+ ratings
The Project
by David A. Graham • 2025
A manual for capturing the state: gut the civil service, politicize the DOJ, and nullify Congress.
4.02
2k+
The Project Summary
The Project 86%
A manual for capturing the state: gut the civil service, politicize the DOJ, and nullify Congress.
by David A. Graham 2025
4.02
2k+ ratings
The Cost-Benefit Revolution
by Cass R. Sunstein • 2018
Government rules used to be about politics. Then Reagan made them about arithmetic.
3.62
116
The Cost-Benefit Revolution Summary
The Cost-Benefit Revolution 86%
Government rules used to be about politics. Then Reagan made them about arithmetic.
by Cass R. Sunstein 2018
3.62
116 ratings
The Palace of Dreams
by Ismail Kadare • 1981
An empire scours its subjects' dreams for sedition. A young clerk's first case threatens his family.
3.94
7k+
The Palace of Dreams Summary
The Palace of Dreams 86%
An empire scours its subjects' dreams for sedition. A young clerk's first case threatens his family.
by Ismail Kadare 1981
3.94
7k+ ratings
How to Run A Government
by Michael Barber • 2015
A small delivery team, relentless data, and boring routines: the real engine of government reform.
3.90
402
How to Run A Government Summary
How to Run A Government 86%
A small delivery team, relentless data, and boring routines: the real engine of government reform.
by Michael Barber 2015
3.90
402 ratings
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