Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, dives into the intricate world of presidential transitions. He discusses the staggering number of appointments—nearly 4,000—that a new president must tackle and the challenges involved in this process. Stier also explores the historical context of these transitions and the critical role of preparation in ensuring government continuity. He highlights the tension between political appointments and apolitical governance, urging for efficiency in the appointment process for effective leadership.
Presidential transitions involve the appointment of nearly 4,000 positions, highlighting the complexity of managing an extensive government apparatus post-election.
The slow process of confirming political appointees, averaging over 191 days, can hinder effective governance and delay essential decision-making during transitions.
Deep dives
The Origin of Civics 101
Civics 101 was created as a response to a lack of understanding about government systems following the election of Trump. The initial idea originated from a conversation about the roles within the government, particularly involving the Secretary of State, which highlighted a collective knowledge gap. The show aims to explain government functions in a nonpartisan way, emphasizing the importance of understanding democratic norms. It invites audience participation by asking listeners to submit topics they want explained, especially in light of the recent election.
Understanding Presidential Transitions
The podcast discusses the intricacies of presidential transitions, emphasizing that the incumbent remains in power until Inauguration Day. During this time, the outgoing president is referred to as a 'lame duck,' and the transition process requires extensive planning to ensure a smooth handover of power. An incoming president must prepare for the complexities of managing a vast government organization that includes multiple departments and millions of employees. The successful transition affects national security and governance, necessitating a well-structured approach.
Challenges in Political Appointments
The process of appointing political appointees is lengthy and often inefficient, with recent statistics indicating confirmations can take over 191 days on average. This slow pace creates a vacuum in leadership, delaying crucial decision-making and support for government operations. The podcast critiques the large number of Senate-confirmed positions, arguing for a streamlined approach more akin to other democracies, where such positions are significantly fewer. Allowing for a more qualified and apolitical staff could enhance the effectiveness of governance and ensure continuity in leadership.
In 2018, we did an episode on Presidential Transitions. Now that we have had an election, we decided to revisit it. There are nearly 4,000 positions that a president appoints after their inauguration. How do they do it? How long does it take? And why has Donald Trump repeatedly refused to sign the "memoranda of understanding" regarding the transition from the U.S. General Services Administration?
Our show started as an explainer of governmental systems in a transition such as the one we're in now. Send us an email at civics101@nhpr.org if you want us to explain any facet of how our democracy works.
CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!