Evolution of Public Administration

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the influence of the structure of the U.S. political system, in relation to the Constitutional separation of powers and federalism, on the evolution of public administration in the United States. It particularly examines the notions of effectiveness, efficiency and reasonable standards of performance within the political system.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Federalism
Role of Factions Model (ROF)
Public Interest Model (PI)
1880s-1930s
1940s - 1960s
1970s-Present
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The third model is the 'public interest model' (PI) stated to have as its cornerstone "...the efficacy of science" which was believed by reformers of the late 19th century to be the solution to "current public problems and inculate morality." (Rabin, Hildreth, and Miller, 1998) there was a stated need of creation of "governmental structures that empower experts: people who possessed relevant scientific knowledge. Expertise would be indicated by educational credentials, beginning the American concern, if not obsession, with academic degrees." (Rabin, Hildreth, and Miller, 1998) This is a concept of science "which is more correctly termed 'technology'. It is stated that reformers held the perception of there being very little limitations "to the efficacy of science and its ability to solve all current problems by the application of unbiased general laws." (Rabin, Hildreth, and Miller, 1998) This belief is stated to be derived in philosophy from what is known as the Enlightenment movement." (Rabin, Hildreth, and Miller, 1998) Within this framework "rationality was seen as not only desirable but also feasible in an era of urban-centered technology. (Rabin, Hildreth, and Miller, 1998) Stated as a critical element of the "new politico-administrative system was management, since science enables administrators to be rational." (Rabin, Hildreth, and Miller, 1998)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Rabin, Jack W.; Hildreth, Bartley; and Miller, Gerald J. (1998) Handbook of Public Administration 2nd ed. Marcel Dekker 1998.
• Ostrom, Elinor (1974). "Exclusion, Choice and Divisibility: Factors Affecting the Measurement of Urban Agency Output and Impact." Social Science Quarterly 54:691-699.
• Ostrom, Elinor (1974) "Issues in Improving the Performance of Local Government from the Citizen's Point of View." Presented at the 1974 National Public Policy Education Conference, Osage Beach, MS, September 13, 1974.(W74-10).
• Ostrom, Elinor. (1974) "Public Policy Analysis." American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC.(AAAS Study Guides on Contemporary Problems, Study Guide no. 3).
• Crenson, Matthew A. (1975) The Federal Machine: Beginnings of Bureaucracy in Jacksonian America. John Hopkins University Press.

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