Modernity, Public Administration, and the Disappearance of the American States: A Necessary Development?

In: Administration & society, Volume 35, Issue 2, p. 144-159

Abstract

American states disappeared from the public administration research agenda during the Progressive Era. This article explores how this disappearance was related to the field's need to consolidate its claim of scientific knowledge and expertise. Progressive Era concerns over modernity and authority led to a misreading of state capacity. Two common state governance practices, courts-based administration and state boards and commissions, are evaluated. Results suggest that a reevaluation of this period of state governance can help public administration gain valuable insights about state governments and American political development during this critical period in American state development.