American Administrative Capacity

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This volume presents a capacity-centered approach to understanding American bureaucracy, highlighting its fragility during Donald Trump's presidency. The administrative institutions that contributed to the nation's superpower status faced significant challenges, particularly evident in the public health and constitutional crises of 2020, which undermined America's global leadership and exacerbated domestic suffering. Through interviews and a historical analysis of federal administrative reforms amidst recent turmoil, the authors develop a framework illustrating the fluctuations in bureaucratic capacity. While various reforms enhanced professionalization, they also masked a gradual decline as anti-bureaucratic sentiments became entrenched. This led to a weakened government's ability to function efficiently and accountably, even as executive power consolidated. The resulting dynamics made the federal government susceptible to capacity bifurcation and disinvestment observed in recent years. As the long-term effects of this deconstruction unfold, the authors advocate for a rethinking of capacity with an emphasis on resilience. They urge Congress, citizens, and reform advocates to prioritize capacity rebuilding initiatives. This work will engage citizens, public reformers, civic leaders, and scholars in public administration, policy, and public affairs.