Name: The Fraught Balance of Politics and Bureaucrats in American Public Service
SKU: 1-0364-6134-3
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The Fraught Balance of Politics and Bureaucrats in American Public Service

By: Mordecai Lee

£69.99

A historic tension defines American governance: the clash between presidents and the permanent, apolitical civil service. This book traces this power struggle from its origins to its explosive crisis during the Trump administration, exploring the future of the state.

Since the founding of the American civil service in 1883, there have been ongoing tensions between the powers and roles of politicians versus those of…

Since the founding of the American civil service in 1883, there have been ongoing tensions between the powers and roles of politicians versus those of permanent and apolitical civil servants. A civil service is a merit-based personnel system that hires based on qualifications. Civil servants then have permanent jobs. At the same time, presidents appoint several thousand senior managers to head federal agencies to implement the president’s policies.

The inherent tensions between these two democratic goals have waxed and waned. They escalated sharply during President Trump’s second term. He viewed agencies as under his direct control and that civil servants who disagreed with his policies should be fired. The book presents the context, rationale, development, and history of these tensions within American public service.

This book relates to political science, American history, and public administration. It is intended for use as a textbook, by researchers, and for academic libraries.

Mordecai Lee is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA, where he taught for 22 years. He has authored 11 books and 75 articles. Lee received a PhD in public administration from Syracuse University, USA. Before his university appointment, he was a guest scholar at the Brookings Institution in Washington, legislative assistant to a Member of Congress, elected to five terms in the Wisconsin State Legislature, and executive director of a faith-based nonprofit. His academic interests are in American history, government PR, and nonprofit management. Cambridge Scholars Publishing has published five collections of his writings on these subjects: A History of Public Administration in the United States, Congress Wrestling with the Rise of the Administrative State During the 20th Century, A History of Government Public Relations in the United States, The Emergence and Scope of the Voice of Government, and A History of the American Nonprofit Sector.

Hardback

ISBN: 1-0364-6134-3
ISBN13: 978-1-0364-6134-8

Categories: Social Sciences, Political Science and International Relations, Politics, Industrial Organization

Pages: 390

Subject Codes:

BIC: JP, JPP, KNV
BISAC: POL017000, POL040010, POL030000, POL010000, POL028000, POL007000
THEMA: JP, JPP, KNV

Pages: 390

"Public service in the US hasn’t fit well with federal and state governmental systems for separating powers. Public agencies combine, not separate, legislative, executive, and judicial authority. They also have technical expertise frustrating elected and appointed officeholders responsible for their management. These tensions drive presidents and governors to strengthen executive power over agencies, which begets legislative pushback and governmental gridlock. The author brilliantly explains how and why our public service often seems in turmoil, turbulence, chaos, and constant reform. The book is a fascinating, must read for everyone seeking deeper understanding of public service, including reflective practitioners, graduate students in political science, American history, and Master of Public Administration programs."
- David H. Rosenbloom, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, American University, USA

Meet The Author

Mordecai Lee

A History of Government Public Relations in the United States

By: Mordecai Lee

£78.99

This book presents a history of public relations in the American government. Unlike in business, government PR is driven by a democratic obligation for transparency. It emerged in the Progressive era, evolved under FDR, and continues to adapt to new media and technologies.

Congress Wrestling with the Rise of the Administrative State During the 20th Century

By: Mordecai Lee

£77.99

The 20th century’s tectonic events created “big government.” As the bureaucracy grew, Congress fought for control. Now, conservatives challenge this “administrative state,” arguing it has too much power. This book provides the history behind this crucial modern debate.

A History of the American Nonprofit Sector

The Rise and Professionalization of Doing Good

By: Mordecai Lee

From £36.99

This history of the American nonprofit sector covers its independence in a seminal 19th-century Supreme Court decision, its 20th-century professionalization, and modern challenges like lobbying. It also analyzes nonprofits in pop culture. A key text for researchers and students.

A History of Public Administration in the United States

The Rise of American Bureaucracy

By: Mordecai Lee

From £43.99

This book examines the emergence of American public administration. As a history of American bureaucracy, it focuses on pivotal events, highlighting major controversies including the field’s anti-democratic origins, Congressional hostility, and early limits on the role of women.

The Emergence and Scope of the Voice of Government

Propaganda, Civic Information, or Both?

By: Mordecai Lee

From £41.99

When government agencies communicate with us, are we getting self-serving propaganda or helpful information? This book examines the intersection of bureaucracy and propaganda, from wartime PR to presidential case studies and the pop culture image of government spokespersons.

The Fraught Balance of Politics and Bureaucrats in American Public Service

Hardback

Subject Codes:

Recommended

Meet The Author