The Study of Administration

The study of Administration by Woodrow Wilson is an effort to determine what government can do, and how it can do it in the best way. Wilson States, “Administration is the most obvious part of government; it is the government in action, it is the executive, the operative, the most visible side of government, and it is as old as government itself”. The science of politics was started over 22 hundred years ago but it has only been in the last century that the science of administration has taken shape in this country. Wilson wrote this piece in 1887. Up to current times, administration had two considerations: how will laws be made, and who will administer these laws. In the beginning government was simple. Now due to the complex nature of government the study of administration plays an ever increasing role to help guide complex issues concerning governing, and to keep government on the correct path. Public Administration is a foreign construct. Many of its component structures must be fitted to our decentralized form of government. European government have been highly centralized, and mostly a monopoly. European leaders studied effective leadership to maintain control. At this time, Wilson believed that our government had just become big enough to need Public Administration. Wilson believed the United States was at a disadvantage with Europe concerning Public Administration. Wilson believed that democracy is much harder to organize in administration than a monarchy. However, Wilson believed that the correct Administration could correct this problem. He wrote, “Better to be free in spirit, and proficient in practice. Public Administration must deal with various groups and convince them to act. The goal of Administration is to prevent confusion, and to base its foundation on wisdom, truth, and stable government. Public Office is a public trust and Public Administration should be nonpartisan.” Public Administration is the detailed and systematic execution of public law. Public Administration must discover the simplest ways to govern, and it must discover the best principles for distribution of authority under a democratic system. Public Administration must be sensitive to public opinion. Wilson’s words are still true today. The public must be willing to act on matters that are important to them, and have government officials who share their concerns. This is the great disconnect today: Bridging the gap between the individual voter and the politicians in change of government. James Orr