1A (dot) Gov: The Future Of Our Federal Agencies
Jan 6, 2025
Donald Moynihan, a professor at the University of Michigan's Ford School, and Lisa Rine, an investigative reporter with The Washington Post, tackle the future of federal agencies amid potential job cuts. They discuss the critical roles of civil servants in American life and how public perceptions of federal workers are shifting. The duo also explores the challenges in attracting younger talent to federal jobs, emphasizing outdated hiring practices. Finally, they highlight the potential impacts of budget cuts on vital services and the debate around remote work policies.
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Structure of Federal Agencies
- The U.S. has 15 cabinet departments and about 2,000 agencies, most of which are not well-known.
- These agencies operate under a civil service system established in the 1880s to replace the spoils system.
Civil Servants vs. Political Appointees
- Civil servants swear an oath to the Constitution, prioritizing impartial expertise.
- Political appointees, around 4,000 per administration, promote the administration's priorities.
Impact of Less-Known Agencies
- Many federal agencies, like the National Weather Service and Bureau of Labor Statistics, impact daily life but are less known.
- Politicians often use "Washington, D.C." as a metaphor for American government, obscuring the widespread reach of federal agencies.