The fourth edition of The New Politics of the Budgetary Process updates and revises the late Aaron Wildavsky's classic exposition of how federal budget decisions are made and how formal budget institutions and processes are interwoven with political dynamics. The book explains how the federal budget process has evolved and analyzes recent developments in key areas: entitlements, defense, deficit/surplus and reforms. Its critical and stimulating approach, and clear, readable explanations make it essential reading for students of politics and public administration, as well as anyone who seeks to understand a decision-making process that affects the lives of virtually all Americans.