What Do We Expect from Our Government?

"Beryl A. Radin and Joshua M. Chanin take us on an informative and provocative journey, focusing on our changing times and challenging our expectations of the role of government. Their collection of essays, emanating from a conference commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the American University School of Public Affairs, moves from historical background to analysis of current critical issues to the barriers to policy implementation and the task of seeking reforms. This book should be required reading for policy makers, academicians, and business and civic leaders."---Connie Morella, former Maryland congresswoman; ambassador in residence, American University

"A comprehensive study by legislative and executive staffers and scholars as to whether government should materially expand its responsibilities in areas like economic protection and regulation. The writers conclude that expansion in these areas is necessary to protect the public. Particularly pertinent today. A book you will want in your professional library."---Robert Cleary, American University

"This excellent set of essays focuses on a key question for all democracies---what should `we the people' expect of our government? The contributors strongly argue for what should be self-evident but is too often missing in the political process---evidence-based policy making to tackle such difficult issues as poverty, climate change, migration, and terrorism. This book is a must-read for policy makers and those who study the policy process."---Susan Martin, Georgetown University

Much has changed in U.S. politics since the historic 2008 election. While the press covers the actions and agendas of the new administration, other impacts of this political shift have not received as much attention. These changes have forced the nation to rethink the necessary role of government, the role of the private market, the impact of science, technology, and information, and, ultimately, our place in the world.

What Do We Expect from Our Government? provides a glimpse at this set of developments by focusing on a number of policies, such as climate change, immigration, and terrorism, as well as governance processes such as oversight, elections and campaigns, and regulation. It highlights the role of research in public sector decision making, the role of the academy, the relationship between economic imperatives and scientific information, and dealing with uncertainty and change. In addition, it includes attention to broader issues such as national economic and fiscal policies and strategies for assuring equity and access in programs.

Beryl A. Radin is a scholar in residence in the School of Public Affairs at American University.
Joshua M. Chanin is a doctoral student in the School of Public Affairs at American University.