Bureaucrats And Politicians In Western Democracies

Author : Joel D. ABERBACH,Robert D. Putnam,Bert A. Rockman,Joel D Aberbach
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 325 pages
File Size : 50,8 Mb
Release : 2009-06-30
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780674020047

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Bureaucrats and Politicians in Western Democracies by Joel D. ABERBACH,Robert D. Putnam,Bert A. Rockman,Joel D Aberbach Pdf

In uneasy partnership at the helm of the modern state stand elected party politicians and professional bureaucrats. This book is the first comprehensive comparison of these two powerful elites. In seven countries--the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands--researchers questioned 700 bureaucrats and 6OO politicians in an effort to understand how their aims, attitudes, and ambitions differ within cultural settings. One of the authors' most significant findings is that the worlds of these two elites overlap much more in the United States than in Europe. But throughout the West bureaucrats and politicians each wear special blinders and each have special virtues. In a well-ordered polity, the authors conclude, politicians articulate society's dreams and bureaucrats bring them gingerly to earth.

Author : Eva Etzioni-Halevy
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 273 pages
File Size : 52,5 Mb
Release : 2013-04-15
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781135027308

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Bureaucracy and Democracy (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 7) by Eva Etzioni-Halevy Pdf

Although a powerful, independent bureaucracy poses a threat to democracy, it is indispensable to its proper functioning. This book provides an overview of the complex relationship between bureaucracy and the politics of democracy and is essential reading for students of sociology, political science and public administration. It is designed to guide students through the maze of classical and modern theories on the topic, to give them basic information on the historical developments in this area and the present them with case histories of the actual relationship between bureaucrats and politicians in democratic societies.

Author : B. Guy Peters,Jon Pierre
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 241 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 2008-08-28
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781134566549

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Politicians, Bureaucrats and Administrative Reform by B. Guy Peters,Jon Pierre Pdf

Adminstrative reform in most western democracies over the past couple of decades has been characterized by bringing in market-based concepts of public-service delivery. This book looks critically at administrative reform in a comparative perspective. The contributors - experts on administrative reform - assess its scope and objectives, and also the ways in which these reforms have impacted on the traditional roles of elective office and civil servants. This book will be an invaluable resource for students and academics in Politics and Public Administration, as well as for civil servants and experts on administrative reform.

Author : Samuel J. Eldersveld
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 262 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2019-03-07
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780429723568

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Local Elites In Western Democracies by Samuel J. Eldersveld Pdf

Much insightful scholarship has been devoted to the elaboration of the nature and functions of elites in modern societies. The theories and paradigms which have emerged have evoked both strong support as well as considerable criticism. Testing this conception of the role of elites is a primary goal of the analysis presented here. We investigate in great detail in these three democratic systems the level of elites' concern for their problems, their sense of responsibility (and power) to act, their relations with community groups and the public, and their values. And throughout the analysis we keep in mind the question of "effective action." This study both builds on and diverges from the early comparative research on local elites.

Author : Judith E. Gruber,Judith Emily Gruber
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 246 pages
File Size : 41,9 Mb
Release : 1987-01-01
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 0520056469

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Controlling Bureaucracies by Judith E. Gruber,Judith Emily Gruber Pdf

"The author treats the classic problem of achieving democratic control over powerful bureaucracies very successfully both by treating familiar material in a new and important way and by presenting new empirical evidence on the problem. . . . This is the most sophisticated and systematic work on the subject. . . . exceedingly well written--succinct, direct, and even graceful."--Dale Rogers Marshall, University of California, Davis "The author treats the classic problem of achieving democratic control over powerful bureaucracies very successfully both by treating familiar material in a new and important way and by presenting new empirical evidence on the problem. . . . This is the most sophisticated and systematic work on the subject. . . . exceedingly well written--succinct, direct, and even graceful."--Dale Rogers Marshall, University of California, Davis

Author : Douglas Yates
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 244 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 1982
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 0674086112

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Bureaucratic Democracy by Douglas Yates Pdf

Although everyone agrees on the need to make government work better, few understand public bureaucracy sufficiently well to offer useful suggestions, either theoretical or practical. In fact, some consider bureaucratic efficiency incompatible with democratic government. Douglas Yates places the often competing aims of efficiency and democracy in historical perspective and then presents a unique and systematic theory of the politics of bureaucracy, which he illustrates with examples from recent history and from empirical research. He argues that the United States operates under a system of "bureaucratic democracy," in which governmental decisions increasingly are made in bureaucratic settings, out of the public eye. He describes the rational, selfinterested bureaucrat as a "minimaxer," who inches forward inconspicuously, gradually accumulating larger budgets and greater power, in an atmosphere of segmented pluralism, of conflict and competition, of silent politics. To make the policy process more competitive, democratic, and open, Yates calls for strategic debate among policymakers and bureaucrats and insists that bureaucrats should give a public accounting of their significant decisions rather than bury them in incremental changes. He offers concrete proposals, applicable to federal, state, and local governments, for simplifying the now-chaotic bureaucratic policymaking system and at the same time bolstering representation and openness. This is a book for all political scientists, policymakers, government officials, and concerned citizens. It may well become a classic statement on the workings of public bureaucracy.

Author : Muhammad Sayadur Rahman
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 306 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2020
Category : Bangladesh
ISBN : 0367432234

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Politics, Governance and Development in Bangladesh by Muhammad Sayadur Rahman Pdf

"This book explores the relationship between bureaucrats and elected politicians in Bangladesh and discusses how this impacts governance and development in the country from an empirical perspective. It looks at the interplay of politics and bureaucracy in ancient societies, western democracies and in the developing world while highlighting the uniqueness of the Bangladesh experience and its indigenous contexts of local governance. The author presents a historical overview of the nature of political development, shift of regimes in Bangladesh, and the role of various agents and stakeholders. Through a detailed study, the book provides an analytical and theoretical framework to understanding the linkages between politics and bureaucracy, governance and development in South Asia and Bangladesh, with implications for geopolitics and economic growth. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers and students of political economy, development studies, public administration, comparative politics as well as to policymakers, bureaucrats, government bodies, and especially those concerned with Bangladesh"--

Author : Alasdair Roberts
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2018-03-02
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781509521548

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Can Government Do Anything Right? by Alasdair Roberts Pdf

Across the Western world, people are angry about the inability of government to perform basic functions competently. With widespread evidence of policy failures at home and ill-conceived wars and interventions abroad, it is hardly surprising that politicians are distrusted and government is derided as a sprawling, wasteful mess. But what exactly is government supposed to do, and is the track record of Western governments really so awful? In this compelling book, leading scholar of public policy and management, Alasdair Roberts, explores what government does well and what it does badly. Political leaders, he explains, have always been obliged to wrestle with shifting circumstances and contending priorities, making the job of governing extraordinarily difficult. The performance of western democracies in recent decades is, admittedly, far from perfect but - as Roberts ably shows - it is also much better than you might think.

Author : John Kingdom
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 228 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2013-09-13
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781136108129

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The Civil Service in Liberal Democracies by John Kingdom Pdf

The civil service provides the administrative infrastructure of western government. Its functions are central to any question of efficiency, the distribution of power in the state, the role of the state in society and the operation of democracy itself. When such issues transcend national boundaries a comparative perspective is invaluable. This book provides the first comprehensive study of civil services in the West. Aimed at first year students and above, the book applies a common framework of analysis to the study of each country's political setting, historical background, political executive, structure, bureaucracy, control, accountability, management and policy-making. The book is a timely and comprehensive introduction to this vital but neglected area of study. Countries covered include: Britain, Ireland, Canada, France, Italy, Sweden, United States and West Germany.

Author : Katherine Kretshmer
Publisher : GRIN Verlag
Page : 62 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2020-01-24
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9783346102874

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A Crisis of Western Democracy. Can an Electoral Reform re-establish Faith in Democratic Institutions? by Katherine Kretshmer Pdf

Master's Thesis from the year 2017 in the subject Politics - International Politics - General and Theories, grade: 1,4, University of East London, language: English, abstract: This thesis sets out to examine the current crisis of democracy and discusses if a reform of the electoral system could restore faith in the democratic idea. Trust in democratic institutions has declined steadily over the past decades and a growing part of the population doubts the legitimacy of government and authorities. The political system in the Western world seems in turmoil. Therefore the history and development of democracy in the Western world are briefly touched before listing the symptoms of the current crisis – mistrust from the population against politicians and elites and from the governments against their citizens, increasing support for authoritarian rulers, mistrust against conventional media outlets and a growing disinterest in politics and current affairs combined with a lack of knowledge – and debating possible reasons. The electoral system as the key feature of modern democracy is then scrutinized and different reforms, ranging from simple amendments, such as the lowering of the voting age, to more comprehensive approaches are discussed. Two alternatives to the current electoral system are presented, the exclusion of unknowledgeable voters and the drawing of lots. The drawing of lots is considered the most appropriate alternative; hence a system combining conventional elections and sortition is deemed the most feasible alternative to the current electoral system and a promising tool to re-establish faith in democracy.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Laissez Faire Books
Page : 76 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2024-06-29
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 9781621290568

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Beyond Democracy: Why Democracy Does Not Lead to Solidarity, Prosperity, and Liberty but to Social Conflict, Runaway Spending, and Tyrannical Government by Anonim Pdf

Author : Robert Alan Dahl
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 452 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 1966
Category : Comparative government
ISBN : OCLC:1024521392

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Political Oppositions in Western Democraties by Robert Alan Dahl Pdf

Author : Joel D. Aberbach,Bert A. Rockman
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Page : 248 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 2001-09-19
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 0815723547

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In the Web of Politics by Joel D. Aberbach,Bert A. Rockman Pdf

Most people think of governmental bureaucracy as a dull subject. Yet for thirty years the American federal executive has been awash in political controversy. From George Wallace's attacks on "pointy headed bureaucrats," to Richard Nixon's "responsiveness program," to the efforts of Al Gore and Bill Clinton to "reinvent government," the people who administer the American state have stood uncomfortably in the spotlight, caught in a web of politics. This book covers the turmoil and controversy swirling around the bureaucracy since 1970, when the Nixon administration tried to tighten its control over the executive branch. Drawing on interviews conducted over the past three decades, Joel D. Aberbach and Bert A. Rockman cast light on the complex relationship between top civil servants and political leaders and debunk much of the received wisdom about the deterioration and unresponsiveness of the federal civil service. The authors focus on three major themes:the "quiet crisis" of American administration, a hypothesized decline in the quality and morale of federal executives; the "noisy crisis," which refers to the large question of bureaucrats' responsiveness to political authority; and the movement to "reinvent" American government. Aberbach and Rockman examine the sources and validity of these themes and consider changes that might make the federal government's administration work better. They find that the quality and morale of federal executives have held up remarkably well in the face of intense criticism, and that the bureaucracy has responded to changes in presidential administrations. Pointing out that bureaucrats are convenient targets in contemporary political battles, the authors contend that complexity, contradiction, and bloated or inefficient programs are primarily the product of elected politicians, not bureaucrats.The evidence suggests that American federal executives will carry out the political will if they are given adequate support and realistic

Author : Dwight Waldo
Publisher : Berkeley : Institute of Governmental Studies, University of California
Page : 52 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 1977
Category : Political Science
ISBN : UCAL:B4271980

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Democracy, Bureaucracy, and Hypocrisy by Dwight Waldo Pdf

Author : Saqib Iqbal Qureshi
Publisher : Lioncrest Publishing
Page : 300 pages
File Size : 53,9 Mb
Release : 2020-08-04
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 1544509618

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The Broken Contract by Saqib Iqbal Qureshi Pdf

A democracy should reflect the views of its citizens and offer a direct connection between government and those it serves. So why, more than ever, does it seem as if our government exists in its own bubble, detached from us? In reality, our democracy is not performing as it should, which has left us fed up with a system we no longer trust. Moreover, we lack a mechanism to fix what's broken, because there is no incentive for politicians and civil servants to make government more accountable, efficient, and representative.  Saqib Iqbal Qureshi is calling on his fellow citizens to assert their voice in the dialogue of democracy. In The Broken Contract, he puts forth solutions-many involving easy-to-implement technologies. It's up to us to turn the ship around. If you're looking for the best way to start a conversation with your elected and unelected officials, this is the book you need.