On Point | Podcast
How the civil service system changed American government
Jan 14, 2025
Donald Moynihan, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan and author of "Can We Still Govern?", dives into the critical evolution of the U.S. civil service. He discusses the Pendleton Act of 1883, which established a nonpartisan workforce to combat corruption. Moynihan explores the implications of potential changes under future administrations, the shift from a spoils system to merit-based hiring, and the significant roles federal employees play in public safety amid challenges of modernization and political pressures.
47:20
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Quick takeaways
- The Pendleton Act of 1883 transformed the federal civil service from corrupt political patronage to a merit-based system enhancing accountability.
- Donald Trump's proposed changes to the civil service raise significant concerns about the efficiency of government operations and critical services.
Deep dives
Trump's Plans for the Federal Civil Service
Donald Trump intends to replace a significant portion of the federal civil service with loyalists, framing government workers as dishonest and corrupt. He aims to reissue an executive order from 2020, which would enhance his ability to dismiss bureaucrats deemed 'rogue.' Trump’s administration has already started implementing these changes, appointing figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy to lead efforts in streamlining government operations by aggressively cutting jobs. This shift raises concerns over the implications for government efficiency and the potential impact on critical services, as many federal employees manage essential functions within various government agencies.
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