Measures for African-Americans. Highlighting the limited capacities of the American national state, employment policy also attracted charges of waste, fraud, and corruption. By the 1970s, antipathy to the federal government and racial antagonism dominated the politics in this field, and any ideas for new programs quickly became entangled with preexisting problems.

Americans claim a strong attachment to the work ethic and regularly profess support for government policies to promote employment. Why, then, have employment policies gained only a tenuous foothold in the United States? To answer this question, Margaret Weir highlights two related elements: the power of ideas in policymaking and the politics of interest formation.

Getting a Job in Politics, and Keeping it provides a blueprint for landing entry-level positions and climbing the ladder in political jobs. Explaining the basic steps to land jobs with campaigns, political organizations, nonprofits, government, the media, and other groups, Getting a Job in Politics lays out a clear plan for anyone to enter and succeed in the exciting world of politics. Ben Wetmore uses his unique and varied experiences working in politics at all levels, in several states and for different political organizations, to offer advice and concrete examples of both successes and failures. Getting a Job in Politics is essential reading for beginners seeking to join the political industry. Praise for Getting a Job in Politics: "If you are looking for work whether in the political arena or the private sector the insights Ben brings forth will help you survive and grow in your job. This is a great book and great information. Ben's insights are praiseworthy and realistic. It's a real handbook in any political junky's bookcase." ~Congressman Steve Stockman, (R-TX) "As someone who has worked with and around Ben for many years, I can say that his advice and wisdom within this book well prepares any politically-minded person to make themselves valuable and noticed by organizations and campaigns. If you want to succeed in politics, you need to bring something to the table, and avoid the minefields. This book teaches you how to do both, I recommend it to anyone looking to get involved." ~James O'Keefe, Journalist "This book puts into perspective a lot of my own frustrations while transitioning from a small business owner to a political activist, and the real challenges with recruiting, training, organizing, and working with grassroots organizations. It's not just that it has solid political tactics and strategies, but also provides a path to get started and maximize effectiveness. I highly recommend this book to anyone in politics, and especially those just entering the political arena." ~Brad Wyatt, Director of the Campaign for Liberty, Massachusetts

Intro -- Half Title -- Series Page -- Title Page -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Prologue. The Best Job in Politics -- Part One -- 1. Where'd You Go to High School? -- 2. How Chemistry 101 and a Disco Changed My Life -- 3. Why Run? -- 4. Aren't You on City Council? What Are You Going to Do About That? -- 5. Fifth in a Five-Way Race -- 6. My Name Is Olivia Nutter and This Is My Dad -- Part Two -- 7. Budgets and Roses -- 8. The Last Call You Ever Want to Get -- 9. Getting to the Brink of Plan C -- 10. We're Not Running a Big Babysitting Service. We're Running a Big Government -- 11. Why Not a Tax on Cheesesteaks Instead of Soda? -- Part Three -- 12. There Was Never an Earthquake Here Before You Were Mayor -- 13. A Cool and a Hot City: Attracting the New and Retaining the Old -- 14. Tragedies, Frustrations, Accidents, and a Holy Visit -- Conclusion. United Cities of America -- A photo gallery appears between pages 68 and 69

Throughout this impressive and controversial account of the fight against job discrimination in the United States, Paul Burstein poses searching questions. Why did Congress adopt EEO legislation in the sixties and seventies? Has that legislation made a difference to the people it was intended to help? And what can the struggle for equal employment opportunity tell us about democracy in the United States? "This is an important, well-researched book. . . . Burstein has had the courage to break through narrow specializations within sociology . . . and even to address the types of acceptable questions usually associated with three different disciplines (political science, sociology, and economics). . . . This book should be read by all professionals interested in political sociology and social movements."—Donald Tomaskovic-Devey, Social Forces "Discrimination, Jobs and Politics [is] satisfying because it tells a more complete story . . . than does most sociological research. . . . I find myself returning to it when I'm studying the U.S. women's movement and recommending it to students struggling to do coherent research."—Rachel Rosenfeld, Contemporary Sociology

The book tells you everything you need to know to start an career or change the direction of your current career in politics, government, or activism.

Turn your degree into a career Designed to help students consider their career options and opportunities, The CQ Press Career Guide for Political Science Students offers a practical collection of employment resources, career-path options, and real-life tips for how to get ahead. Providing the road map that students need to design their undergraduate experience to maximize their transferable skills, author Wendy Whitman Cobb outlines jobs political science majors can pursue; offers guidance on how to actually get the job; and illuminates pathways to graduate school.

Anyone who has worked in politics knows how tough it can be - both getting the job and figuring out what comes next. It's a transient field with a lot of turnover. In an industry where it's not just what you know but who you know, being a newbie can be tough and intimidating. In The Political Ladder, Alexandra Acker-Lyons draws on her over a decade in politics to provide the essential tools for job seekers. Having run two national political organizations, her vast insight covers everything from how to expand your political network to creating the perfect resume to day-to-day life on a campaign. Whether you want to work on Capitol Hill or the state legislature, for advocacy groups, labor unions, or trade associations this step-by-step guide walks you through finding your first job, landing your dream job, and everything in between. Candid, inspiring, and chock full of advice from other seasoned political veterans, The Political Ladder is a must-read for college students, career switchers, and anyone looking to work in politics. "I wish I had The Political Ladder when I was just starting out. This is the advice I pass on and have put to use in my own career." -Mike Shields, Political Director, National Republican Campaign Committee "Politics is a professional contact sport. Knowing how to maneuver in this industry is half the battle and finding a job is an imperative first step. Alexandra Acker-Lyons teaches you the rules of the game." -Simone L. Ward, Democratic campaign veteran "From networking to writing your resume to landing a job, The Political Ladder is filled with the tips you need to break into politics." -Tom Manatos, founder of Tom Manatos Jobs and former aide to Leader Nancy Pelosi

Inspiring, nonpartisan insider's advice on how anyone can build a career in local, state, and national government, from two rising stars in Washington government and policy. This inspiring, nonpartisan guide, written by longtime staff members of Republican and Democratic house leadership teams provides all the hard-won secrets and strategies you need to build a career in local politics or Congress, make a difference, and ascend from an internship to leadership. With practical tips on how to not only land a job but also create the foundatio for a lasting and impactful career in public service, this guide will empower anyone who feels the urge to improve this country with meaningful work.

From It’s All Politics Like business in general, politics is not a spectator sport. You cannot afford to be apolitical at work if you have any aspirations for advancement. The only way to avoid politics is to avoid people—by finding an out-of-the-way corner where you can do your job. Of course, it’s the same job you’ll likely be doing for the rest of your career. In any job, when you reach a certain level of technical competence, politics is what makes all the difference with regard to success. At that point, it is indeed all politics. Everyday brilliant people take a backseat to their politically adept colleagues by failing to win crucial support for their ideas. Sometimes politics involves going around or bending rules, but more typically it’s about positioning your ideas in a favorable light, and knowing what to say, and how and when to say it.… Keep in mind that people benefit from perpetuating the image of politics as something you either know or you don’t. Ignore them. Political acumen is largely learned from observation. And then it’s a matter of practice, practice, practice. When a journalist suggested that golfing great Gary Player was very lucky, he replied: “It’s funny, but the more I practice, the luckier I get.” The same is true of politics. An indispensable guide to mastering the ins and outs of office politics—the single most important factor in getting ahead in your career As management professor and consultant Kathleen Reardon explains in her new book, It's All Politics, talent and hard work alone will not get you to the top. What separates the winners from the losers in corporate life is politics. As Reardon explains, the most talented and accomplished employees often take a backseat to their politically adept coworkers, losing ground in the race to get ahead—sometimes even losing their jobs. Why? Because they’ve failed to manage the important relationships with the people who can best reward their creativity and intelligence. To determine whether you need a crash course in Office Politics 101, ask yourself the following questions: Do I get credit for my ideas? Do I know how to deal with a difficult colleague? Do I get the plum assignments? Do I have a mentor? Do I say no gracefully and pick my battles wisely? Am I in the loop? Reardon has interviewed hundreds of employees, from successful veterans to aspiring hopefuls, examining why some people who work hard and effectively at their jobs fall behind, while those who are adept at “reading the office tea leaves” forge ahead. Being politically savvy doesn’t mean being unethical or devious. At heart, it’s about listening to and relating to others, and making choices that advance everyone’s goals. Like it or not, when it comes to work, it’s all politics. And politics is all about knowing what to say, when to say it, and who to say it to.