Pillars of Power examines Australia's most important political, legal and social institutions aEURO" the government, the courts, the unions, the media, the economic regulators, the defence and security apparatus, the universities, even sport. David Solomon looks at how these institutions have changed in the modern era and how they operate today - their operation, their influence, their strengths and their weaknesses. His book is based on extensive interviews with the people who have driven the change, most notably in the phenomenal growth in prime ministerial power and the downgrading of parliament. It details the huge and growing distortions in the federal system and the centralisation of political and economic power. A chapter is devoted to the role of the Governor-General and State Governors. Solomon uses the words and experiences of the interviewees to explore the way these institutions impact on national affairs and on individual Australians.