The main argument which Lowi develops through this book is that theliberal state grew to its immense size and presence withoutself-examination and without recognizing that its pattern of growth hadproblematic consequences. Its engine of growth was delegation. Thegovernment expanded by responding to the demands of all major organizedinterests, by assuming responsibility for programs sought by thoseinterests, and by assigning that responsibility to administrativeagencies. Through the process of accommodation, the agencies becamecaptives of the interest groups, a tendency Lowi describes asclientelism. This in turn led to the formulation of new policies whichtightened the grip of interest groups on the machinery of government.