A Government Out of Sight: The Mystery of National Authority in Nineteenth-Century America

by Brian Balogh

While it is obvious that America’s state and local governments were consistently active during the nineteenth century, a period dominated by laissez-faire, political historians of twentieth-century America have assumed that the national government did very little during this period. A Government Out of Sight challenges this premise, chronicling the ways in which the national government intervened powerfully in the lives of nineteenth-century Americans through the law, subsidies, and the use of third parties (including state and local governments), while avoiding bureaucracy. Americans have always turned to the national government – especially for economic development and expansion – and in the nineteenth century even those who argued for a small, nonintrusive central government demanded that the national government expand its authority to meet the nation’s challenges. In revising our understanding of the ways in which Americans turned to the national government throughout this period, this study fundamentally alters our perspective on American political development in the twentieth century, shedding light on contemporary debates between progressives and conservatives about the proper size of government and government programs and subsidies that even today remain “out of sight.”

Genres: History, American History

430 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2007

Reviews

[Estelle Champlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Balogh convincingly argues that federal intervention in the private sector took place from the earliest time in American history. This intervention was not particularly conspicuous before the Progressive Era-- but it was present. Although his arguments are in opposition to the traditional narrative of 18th century laissez-faire, Balogh does back up his views with ample supporting evidence.

A note of caution-- the first chapter is maddeningly hard to follow due to poor organization of writing, and it contains the absurd statement that Thomas Paine served as governor of Virginia. If you can get past this, and I almost didn't, the rest of the book is much better. I was required to read this book for a graduate class and during the first couple of chapters I felt like pulling my hair out, but by the end I was glad I had stuck it out. The book turned out to be quite illuminating.

I recommend this book for those who already have a strong foundational knowledge of American history and wish to delve into the nuances of the still developing role of the state.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the key word here is emphasis. I'm not sold that Balogh introduces completely new evidence of government intervention in the 19th Century. What he does, however, is stress aspects of government authority that have been glossed over. This is a great book for a sweeping history of the nineteenth century and could easily be used as a textbook for that time.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for grad students, as it is a provocative argument. Plus, in best grad student spirit, there is much to criticize and argue about.

[Sophia Trigg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little dry. But I really like how it put a different perspective on American political history.

[Joseph Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat plodding at times, but an illuminating thesis nonetheless.