ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a discussion of the how's and why's of government expansion with an analysis of the major trends in public employment and expenditures since the end of World War II. It examines some of the major explanations that have been put forth for the growth of government. The chapter investigates the causes for the growth of government and discusses economic reasons for the growth of government. It deals with the political process as a contest between different groups in society to determine whose values become enacted as public policy. The chapter examines the question of the size of government and some of its implications for public administration. It then discusses the impact of increase in government on civil society. The chapter shows the tremendous growth in government expenditures that occurred during the twentieth century. The growth of government and administration has been counteracted somewhat by the underlying framework of the US political system.
