The opinion poll has become commonplace in politics and typically reveals public desires for greater government social welfare assistance, such as more aid for education or health care. These statistics seem to proclaim the welfare state's enduring popularity. Though sincere, these desires largely reflect how questions are asked. Unfortunately, polls usually lack basic economic restraints. There are no costs, risks or disasters in the world of polling. Market-based solutions are routinely excluded. This book works to reveal these shortcomings and clearly demonstrates why a government ruled by the vox populi would be folly.

ROBERT WEISSBERG is Professor of Political Science at University of Illinois-Urbana. He is author of Democracy and the Academy (2000) and has written for Forbes, The Weekly Standard, and the major political science journals.

Public Opinion, Polling and Politics From Wishes to Hard Choices Civic Competence Public Opinion I: Policies and Questions Public Opinion II: Fervent Desires Bestowing the Democratic Mantel