Broken Government by John W. Dean Summary

Broken Government analyzes how Republican leadership from Nixon to George W. Bush eroded legislative, executive, and judicial branches through partisan tactics like lax congressional oversight, expansion of presidential power, and judicial politicization. Dean exposes systemic failures, including lobbyist-driven legislation, collapsed checks and balances, and ethical breaches like the Valerie Plame leak.

This book suits political science enthusiasts, historians, and voters seeking insight into U.S. governance decline. It’s particularly relevant for readers examining partisan polarization, executive overreach, or the impact of ideology on institutions like the Justice Department.

Yes, for its insider perspective: Dean, Nixon’s former White House Counsel, combines firsthand experience with rigorous analysis of Republican-led dysfunction. The book details actionable reforms and underscores risks of unchecked power, making it a timely resource despite its 2007 publication.

Dean argues GOP-controlled Congresses ignored constitutional duties, permitting executive abuses like warrantless surveillance. Tactics included extending vote times to pressure holdouts and letting lobbyists draft bills—exemplified by Tom DeLay’s admission about corporate influence.

The book cites Bush-Cheney’s “unitary executive” theory to bypass Congress, politicizing the Justice Department, and shielding Scooter Libby after the Plame leak. Dean also notes neglect of Iraq War oversight and homeland security failures.

Dean critiques Republican efforts to pack courts with ideologues, notably fundamentalist judges. He ties this to a broader strategy to entrench conservative agendas, undermining judicial impartiality.

• Congressional dysfunction: Closed rules and partisan tactics marginalized minority input.
• Executive secrecy: Bush expanded presidential authority while evading accountability.
• Ethical decay: Nonpartisan career officials left due to political interference.

Unlike Blind Ambition (Watergate memoir) or Conservatives Without Conscience (ideological critique), this book offers a comprehensive analysis of institutional decay across all government branches, linking historical patterns to modern crises.

Some view Dean’s tone as partisan, though he substantiates claims with legislative records and insider accounts. Critics argue he overlooks Democratic complicity, but the book focuses on systemic GOP-driven failures.

Its warnings about eroded checks and balances mirror current debates over presidential power, Supreme Court politicization, and congressional gridlock—making it a primer for understanding ongoing governance challenges.

His role in Nixon’s cover-up and subsequent cooperation with investigators provides unique insight into executive abuses, reinforcing his analysis of Bush-era secrecy and accountability gaps.

Dean writes, "When George Bush is president, no evidence of corruption or incompetence is shocking enough to warrant congressional attention"—highlighting legislative passivity amid executive misconduct.

Dean advocates restoring congressional oversight, depoliticizing judicial appointments, and enforcing transparency norms. He emphasizes bipartisan cooperation to rebuild institutional integrity.