The role of government in medical care, however contentious and bewildering, is increasingly important given that the finance of medical care in Western democracies is now dominated by public expenditures. Why do governments choose the medical programs they do? How do particular struggles in medical care illustrate more general political conflicts? This book stems from Marmor's conviction that political science can provide answers to questions such as these. Furthermore, the essays presented here demonstrate that political analysis is a crucial element of any sensible approach to policy making. The essays are grouped intro three parts. Firstly, how the general findings of a political science illuminate disputes over medical care. Secondly, looks at political conflict in American medicine, such as paying doctors, representing consumers and restraining inflation. Lastly, the essays tie different sorts of political analysis to the appraisal of issues such as national health insurance in the 1970s and procompetitive reform in the early 1980s.