This course will examine the political environment both in and surrounding administrative agencies at the federal and state levels. The origins and development of U.S. intergovernmental relations will be analyzed at the outset along with some treatment of comparative federalism issues. The dimensions and dynamics of intergovernmental developments in the Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Carter years then will be explored, followed by a close look at Reagan Federalism and the confusing IGR developments of the Bush and Clinton years. The public policy, public law, political, and administrative dimensions will be stressed throughout. The basic objective of the course is to develop a better understanding of America's federal governance system, its policy and administrative features, its difficulties and accomplishments, and its relevance to solving societal, political, and even economic problems.
Emphasis is placed on the distinctive history and structure of American public administration.
The role of administrators in management, decision-making, personnel, budgeting, regulation, and relations with external groups are major features of this course. Students are strongly encouraged to take this during the very beginning of their coursework. This course examines the history and development of Unions and collective bargaining in the public sector, including union monetary and personnel policy impacts. The bargaining process is analyzed and experienced through case studies and exercises. Interest-based negotiations are emphasized.