ABSTRACT

The history of American public administration has been characterized as a “History of Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing”. This chapter examines the correctives as contending models of administration, describing their continued relevance as well as their strengths and weaknesses. It reviews successive generations of political change and reform, illustrating the dynamics of these models in the context of inter-sectoral development and evolving relationships among levels of government. The chapter utilizes some founding era problems - balance among the sectors, relationship between federal and state/local governments, and the role of administrators - as the organizing framework for discussing the historical development of public administration. Good administration under the legacy of pluralism consists of creating the circumstances for gathering together interests on an issue and then maintaining the discourse until common agreement and action is possible. The Washingtonian model embraces the argument that a powerful government is needed to both protect and enhance our liberties.