Why are Americans governed by the rich? Millionaires make up only three percent of the public but control all three branches of the federal government. How did this happen? What stops lower-income and working-class Americans from becoming politicians? The first book to answer these urgent questions, The Cash Ceiling provides a compelling and comprehensive account of why so few people who aren’t rich hold office—and what reformers can do about it.
Nicholas Carnes is the Creed C. Black Associate Professor of Public Policy and Political Science at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy. He is the author of White-Collar Government: The Hidden Role of Class in Economic Policy Making.
"[A] very accessible study. . . . Carnes deserves credit for focusing attention on an under-the-radar issue."—Publishers Weekly
"Passionate and persuasive."—Mya Alexice, Foreword Reviews
"In this pathbreaking, lively, and deeply researched book, Nicholas Carnes shows that electing more working people and fewer wealthy professionals would greatly enhance both political and economic equality. Even more surprising, he shows it can be done—with research-backed reforms that would shatter the 'cash ceiling' that blocks working-class Democrats and Republicans alike. Don't believe the cynics who say only the rich can run for office. The solution is literally in your hands."—Jacob S. Hacker, coauthor of Winner-Take-All Politics
"This is simply a clear and brilliant book. It not only tackles the very important question of why there are so few working-class representatives in public office, but skillfully offers up practical and already piloted solutions as well."—Katherine J. Cramer, author of The Politics of Resentment
"Timely, informative, engaging, and persuasive, this excellent book addresses critical questions about representation and inequality—and offers potential solutions to the problems it identifies."—Jennifer Lawless, coauthor of Women, Men & U.S. Politics
