Donald F. Kettl Libros

With a new preface from Michael Nelson, editor of the Interpreting American Politics series, this award-winning book will be sought out by public policymakers eager to read a leading scholar's newest insights into the field.

Some analysts have called distrust the biggest governmental crisis of our time. It is unquestionably a huge problem, undermining confidence in our elected institutions, shrinking social capital, slowing innovation, and raising existential questions for democratic government itself.

"As James Madison led America's effort to write its Constitution, he made two great inventions-the separation of powers and federalism. The first is more famous, but the second was most essential because, without federalism, there could have been no United States of America. Federalism has always been about setting the balance of power between the federal government and the states-and that's revolved around deciding just how much inequality the country was prepared to accept in exchange for making piece among often-warring states. Through the course of its history, the country has moved through a series of phases, some of which put more power into the hands of the federal government, and some rested more power in the states. Sometimes this rebalancing led to armed conflict. The Civil War, of course, almost split the nation permanently apart. And sometimes it led to political battles. By the end of the 1960s, however, the country seemed to have settled into a quiet agreement that inequality was a prime national concern, that the federal government had the responsibility for addressing it through its own policies, and that the states would serve as administrative agents of that policy. But as that agreement seemed set, federalism drifted from national debate, just as the states began using their administrative role to push in very different directions. The result has been a rising tide of inequality, with the great invention that helped create the nation increasingly driving it apart"-- Provided by publisher

George W. Bush's leadership style, shaped by his MBA background, is the focus of this insightful exploration. The book outlines his team-based approach, emphasizing decision-making through collaboration and communication tailored to individual team members. It highlights his successes in retaining political support and building a capable cabinet, while providing practical strategies for executives to enhance productivity and streamline management. By analyzing Bush's methods, readers can learn to adopt a results-oriented leadership style applicable in various settings.

The book challenges the common perception that big government is inherently problematic. It argues that larger governmental structures can play a crucial role in addressing societal issues, promoting equality, and ensuring public welfare. Through various examples and analyses, the author presents a case for the positive impacts of government intervention, suggesting that rather than downsizing, reforming and enhancing government functions can lead to better outcomes for citizens.

Focusing on the writing process for researchers, the manual guides readers through creating impactful written work from inception to completion. It features a wealth of examples highlighting effective and ineffective writing, alongside the authors' personal experiences in transforming ideas into compelling narratives. This resource serves both as a comprehensive guide and a deep dive into specific writing challenges, making it invaluable for writers aiming to enhance their skills.