“The most inspiring textbook that I have ever read.” (*)

When this seminal work was originally published, the focus was on whether or not citizens should be involved in administrative governance. Today that question has been replaced by concerns about how and how much they should be involved. Currently relationships between citizens and their governments remain as, or more, complicated as they were then.

Government Is Us 2.0 picks up where the previous edition left off. It addresses the bigger questions that are being asked and discussed about the relationships among and between citizens and their governments, how individuals and agencies govern, and the institutional elements that keep us from engendering long-term, socially just participatory change.

The central argument of Government Is Us 2.0 is that much can be done to bridge the gulf between citizens and their governments. The chapter authors offer practical suggestions on how public administrators can productively involve citizens in government work, with steps that will increase citizens' trust in government through opportunities for direct connection and collaboration.

Endorsements:
"Government is Us 2.0, edited by Cheryl Simrell King, is a welcome extension of the first edition and includes thoughtful examination of government-citizen relations from both original and new contributors. This volume brings us closer to understanding the nuances of enhancing government-citizen relations in public administration and informs scholars, administrators and citizens of both the challenges and possibilities of citizen-based transformations in public administration.” — Jack W. Meek, University of La Verne

"Government is Us 2.0 is the most inspiring textbook that I have ever read. For the most part this book was very engaging and reader-friendly. I enjoyed the multi-author format as it provides the reader with a dynamic point of view. The text placed the reader in the roles of the citizens, and administrators, and the stories compelled me to reflect on my own personal and professional experiences regarding civic engagement.” — Stephanie R. Smith, student reader, University of Missouri (*)

"Government Is Us 2.0 picks up where the original left off, considering how citizens should be involved in administrative governance and analyzing relationships between citizens and their governments. From ideas on how public administrators can involve citizens in government work to influences that keep us from participatory change, this provides a powerful political survey perfect for any college-level social or political issues collection." — The Midwest Book Review