The Cash Ceiling: Why Only the Rich Run for Office--And What We Can Do about It, Paperback/Nicholas Carnes

Why working-class Americans almost never become politicians, what that means for democracy, and what reformers can do about it 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. About the Author 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 .