Never before have Americans been so anxious about the future of their society. But rarely has anyone offered a clear account of why, in a nation so prosperous, free, and stable, we tend to assume that the country is in dire straits and that the government can do little to help. This book is just such an account - an eloquent assessment of where America stands, how our society has changed in the past half-century, and who or what is responsible for our current frustrations.

In virtually all important areas of American life, Bok concludes, government policies have played a significant, often decisive role in accounting for our successes as well as our failures. But whereas others call for downsizing the federal government, Bok argues that government is essential to achieving America's goals. In short, Ronald Reagan was only half right: government is the problem - but it is also the most important part of the solution.

By assessing the state of the nation and identifying the reasons for its current condition, this book helps set the agenda for improving America's performance in the future.