Discussion Post: Skocpol & Finegold, State Capacity & Economic Intervention in the Early New Deal
• What do Skocpol and Finegold mean by "state capacity" and why do they think this is so important to understanding what happened with regard to New Deal programs established by the federal government?
• What opposing scholarly perspectives are Skocpol and Finegold arguing with when they emphasize the importance of "state capacity" to understanding policy successes and failures?
• Why do they see the Agricultural Adjustment Act (and Administration) as more successful than the National Industrial Recovery Act (and Administration)? How does this contrast with Rauchway's views?
• How much Skocpol and Finegold's analysis complicate the idea that the New Deal was a major break from previous politics and policy interventions at the national level?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.