Progressive-era reformers hoped to take politics out of public administration. Did they succeed? Is it possible or desirable to remove politics from the provision of public services?

Question

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The Answer is Progressive-era reformers did make significant strides in attempting to take politics out of public administration. They implemented civil service reforms, which aimed to replace the spoils system with a merit-based system for hiring and promoting government employees. They also advocated for the creation of independent regulatory agencies to oversee certain industries and protect the public interest.

However, it is difficult to say whether they ultimately succeeded in completely removing politics from public administration. While these reforms certainly reduced the influence of political patronage and corruption, politics still plays a significant role in the provision of public services. Elected officials make decisions about funding, resource allocation, and policy priorities, all of which have political implications.

Furthermore, it may not be entirely possible or desirable to completely remove politics from the provision of public services. Politics is inherently tied to the allocation of resources and the prioritization of certain policies over others. It is important for elected officials to have some level of influence over public administration in order to represent the interests and values of the communities they serve.

That being said, it is crucial to have mechanisms in place to ensure that public administration is conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner. This includes strong ethical standards, oversight by independent bodies, and opportunities for public input and participation. While it may not be feasible to completely divorce politics from public administration, it is essential to strive for a system that prioritizes the public good over partisan interests.

Progressive-Era Reformers Hoped to Take Politics Out of Public Administration