Foundations of Public Administration
Chapter 1
Below are the learning objectives from chapter 1 of the textbook: Politics of the Administrative Process by Donald F. Kettl, 9th edition. This website and my lectures will closely follow the learning objectives for each chapter, expanding on the author’s material and providing additional information where helpful. They are meant to supplement the textbook not replace it. The textbook delves much deeper into each learning objective and provides additional analysis and case studies.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand that policy is almost always meaningless—except as it takes shape in public administration
- Understand the three intertwined foundations and historical roots of public administration: politics, performance, and accountability
- Connect the themes of public administration with the COVID-19 pandemic
- Explore the connection between the three themes of public administration and historical crises in American politics
- Examine the central role of accountability in the administrative process
“Public administration, at its core, is straightforward: how to best translate the decisions of policymakers into effective results.” – Kettl, p.2
Chapter 1 Lecture: Foundations of Public Administration
Additional Resources:
History Channel: Covid-19 Pandemic
Professor Gandarilla's Classroom 