Table of contents |
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Introduction |
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Important Developments in Wilson's Era |
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Woodrow Wilson's Perspective on Public Administration |
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Administration and Politics as Two Distinct Domains |
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Conclusion |
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Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, served from 1913 to 1921. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for his proposal of the League of Nations, aimed at establishing lasting peace in Europe. During his second term, the 19th Amendment was passed, granting women the right to vote. Wilson was born into a religious family with a strong influence from British history and literature. His early life in the South during a time of economic and social turmoil, including the aftermath of the Civil War, shaped his perspectives.
After receiving his education at home and later at prestigious institutions like Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University, Wilson became involved in academia and politics. His presidency at Princeton and later as Governor of New Jersey positioned him as a reformist leader, which eventually led to his presidential nomination and victory in 1912.
As president, Wilson implemented significant Progressive reforms, including the Underwood Act, the Federal Reserve Act, and anti-trust legislation. He also took a firm stance on international affairs, leading the U.S. into World War I and advocating for a new world order based on democratic principles. His Fourteen Points laid the groundwork for post-war peace and the idea of a community of nations respecting each other’s sovereignty.
Wilson’s Era was a time of significant change and development in public administration in the United States. Wilson believed in making public administration efficient and free from political interference. He thought that politics didn’t have all the answers for administrative problems. Let’s explore his views on public administration and the important events during his time.
New Freedom Campaign:
League of Nations:
Wilson's Fourteen Points:
Wilson's second term in office was heavily influenced by World War I, providing him with a close-up view of how administrative offices functioned. During this time, he faced numerous domestic issues and was responsible for significant legislations like Prohibition and Women's Adult Franchise. Wilson's belief in neutrality and his desire for administration to be free from political interference shaped his approach. He viewed public administration as a field that required efficiency and technical expertise, rather than political influence.
The Science of Administration:
Origins of the Science of Administration:
Evolution of Government in Europe:
Adaptation of the Science of Administration in the U.S.:
Wilson’s Distinction: Administration vs. Politics:
Wilson’s Perspective on Public Administration:
Wilsonian View: Politics-Administration Dichotomy:
Intersection of Administrative and Constitutional Matters:
Method of Administration:
Wilson is remembered for his presidency and contributions to public administration. He aimed to make the presidency the most powerful branch of government, similar to the Prime Minister's role in the British Parliament. Wilson became a key figure in the Progressive Movement, which sought to separate politics from administration. Over time, his ideas evolved, emphasizing administration over politics. He believed administration should be free from political pressures and that political and administrative questions were distinct. Wilson advocated for a clear division between constitutional politics and administrative discretion, drawing heavily on European sources, especially German political science.
His perspective, known as Progressivism, gained significant appreciation, contrasting with earlier American thinkers on national administration. While Wilson maintained the politics-administration dichotomy, he did not see them as entirely separate, viewing them as interconnected. This unit highlighted Wilson’s detailed views on the relationship between politics and administration.
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1. What is Wilson's Vision of Public Administration? | ![]() |
2. How did the context of the early 20th century USA influence Wilson's views on public administration? | ![]() |
3. What are some key administrative principles proposed by Wilson? | ![]() |
4. What challenges did Wilson identify in enthroning public opinion in government? | ![]() |
5. How has the discipline of public administration evolved since Wilson's time? | ![]() |