Matt Grossmann is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Michigan State University and author of The Not-So-Special Interests.

"[Grossmann] explores adamantly the insularity of US policy makers which are not permeated by public opinion, nor elections. In six chapters only, [he] carefully places the concept of democracy under the lens of scrutiny." --International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies

"This book is a significant contribution to policy studies. It is rooted in vast, meticulous research, and its 'governing networks' motif works out nicely. It throws an original light on the American policy explosion of the 1960s and 1970s." --David R. Mayhew, Sterling Professor of Political Science, Yale University

"Why does government do what it does? If Matt Grossmann is right, voters, elections, polls, and the media matter less than you think, and elite networks matter more. This data-driven book maps-quite literally-the internal dynamics that govern the networks that govern the rest of us. Its arguments will intrigue and often provoke conservatives and liberals alike." --Jonathan Rauch, Contributing Editor, National Journal and the Atlantic

"Artists of the Possible is certain to attract scholarly attention, spark debate, and spur new theorizing and research on American policymaking. Grossmann builds a new data set from hundreds of policy histories to challenge major approaches to understanding policy change and to formulate an alternative argument, one that raises fascinating and troubling questions about democratic government." --Thomas Mann, co-author of It's Even Worse Than It Looks

"Artists of the Possible is a major achievement. Using a unique data set, intelligent analyses, and careful consideration of how policy is crafted, Grossmann makes a compelling case that governing networks are critical to the policy-making equation. ...an absolute must-read for anyone interested in public policy - or, for that matter, American politics." -The Forum