Why do presidential appointees spark so much controversy? Which jobs can a president fill, and are there limits on the president's power? This important book examines presidential appointees, the confirmation process, the checks and balances that affect this system, and other key points on this vital topic. Historical examples provide crucial context for current events, including the most recent appointments to our government leadership and how they affect our country. Photographs capture key moments and fact boxes illuminate essential topics. This unique look at the U.S. political system is highly relevant and accessible, making this book a valuable addition to any library or classroom.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many questioned whether the large number of political appointees in the Federal Emergency Management Agency contributed to the agency's poor handling of the catastrophe, ultimately costing hundreds of lives and causing immeasurable pain and suffering. The Politics of Presidential Appointments examines in depth how and why presidents use political appointees and how their choices impact government performance--for better or worse. One way presidents can influence the permanent bureaucracy is by filling key posts with people who are sympathetic to their policy goals. But if the president's appointees lack competence and an agency fails in its mission--as with Katrina--the president is accused of employing his friends and allies to the detriment of the public. Through case studies and cutting-edge analysis, David Lewis takes a fascinating look at presidential appointments dating back to the 1960s to learn which jobs went to appointees, which agencies were more likely to have appointees, how the use of appointees varied by administration, and how it affected agency performance. He argues that presidents politicize even when it hurts performance--and often with support from Congress--because they need agencies to be responsive to presidential direction. He shows how agency missions and personnel--and whether they line up with the president's vision--determine which agencies presidents target with appointees, and he sheds new light on the important role patronage plays in appointment decisions.

Why do presidential appointees spark so much controversy? Which jobs can a president fill, and are there limits on the president's power? This important book examines presidential appointees, the confirmation process, the checks and balances that affect this system, and other key points on this vital topic. Historical examples provide crucial context for current events, including the most recent appointments to our government leadership and how they affect our country. Photographs capture key moments and fact boxes illuminate essential topics.

According to outspoken presidential scholar Cal Mackenzie, the presidential appointments process is a national disgrace. It encourages bullies and emboldens demagogues, silences the voices of responsibility, and nourishes the lowest forms of partisan combat. It uses innocent citizens as pawns in the petty games of politicians and stains the reputations of good people. It routinely violates fundamental democratic principles, undermines the quality and consistency of public management, and breaches simple decency. In short, at a time when the quality of political leadership in government matters more than ever, the procedures for ensuring that quality are less reliable than ever. How did we get into this distressing condition? What is wrong with the current appointments process? And, most important, what can we do to fix it? Innocent Until Nominated brings together ten of the country¡¯s leading scholars of government and politics to explore recent changes in the presidential appointments process and their effects on the ability of contemporary presidents to recruit and retain talented leaders. Each chapter provides a special focus on a range of topics including presidential transitions, the obstacle course of Senate confirmation, the morass of forms and questionnaires, and the exasperating, exhausting, and humiliating experiences of recent appointees. For scholars, students, and potential presidential recruits, the book offers a candid and revealing look at the failures of the appointments process... and how it has become a serious impediment to effective leadership of the executive branch. Contributors include Sarah A. Binder (Brookings Institution and George Washington University), E. J. Dionne Jr. (Brookings Institution and Washington Post), George C. Edwards III (Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University), Stephen Hess (Brookings Institution), Judith M. Labiner (Brookings Institution), Paul C. Light (Brookings Institution

Why do presidential appointees spark so much controversy? Which jobs can a president fill, and are there limits on the president's power? This important book examines presidential appointees, the confirmation process, the checks and balances that affect this system, and other key points on this vital topic. Historical examples provide crucial context for current events, including the most recent appointments to our government leadership and how they affect our country. Photographs capture key moments and fact boxes illuminate essential topics. This unique look at the U.S. political system is highly relevant and accessible, making this book a valuable addition to any library or classroom.