So You Want to Be In Government?

A Handbook for Appointed Officials In America's Governments

By Richard P. Nathan

Subjects: American Government
Imprint: Distribution Partners
Paperback : 9780914341758, 91 pages, December 2000

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Table of contents

Acknowledgments

1. Joining "The Governing Class"

 

"The Governing Class
The U. S. System
The Academic View
A Debatable Assumption
Turnover at the Top
Types of Inners and Outers
The Ethics of Influence

 

2. Getting to Be--And Being--A Leader

 

Which Political Party?
Being Political
Loyalty

 

3. Team Building

 

The B-Team
The A-Team
The Subcabinet

 

4. Making Policy

 

The Budget Process
The PPB System
Where Do New Ideas Come From?

 

5. Policy Implementation

 

Implementation as Exploration
Advice for Policy Managers
What Works?
An Example
Being an Accountable Leader

 

Appendix to Chapter 5 -- American Federalism

6. Dealing with the Media

7. Wielding Power in America's Governments

 

Nine Suggestions
Expanding the Talent Pool for Public Service

A guide for appointed officials in American government.

Description

In American governments, unlike in other countries, there are thick layers of officials who serve on a short-term basis as high officials in appointive offices. Thousands of people serve in these roles. They are "inners and outers" who serve "at the pleasure" of the officials who appointed them.

This small book—really a long essay—is intended to inform people who should be interested in these exciting, challenging leadership jobs inside America's governments.

It is hoped the ideas presented here and the advice proffered will stimulate interested citizens to seek and accept appointive office, and that this book will also aid them in being successful in carrying out their responsibilities.