Efficient public administration requires a delicate balance—the bureaucracy must be powerful enough to be effective, but also accountable to elected officials and citizens. Kettl understands that the push and pull of political forces in a democracy make the functions of bureaucracy contentious, but no less crucial.

With a unique focus on policymaking and politics, this new fifth edition continues its strong emphasis on accountability and—thanks to user feedback—expands its coverage on performance and ethics. Thoroughly updated with new scholarship, data, and events, this text remains reader-friendly with its engaging opening vignettes, rich examples, bolded key terms, and easy-to-read tables and figures.

Now with three case studies in every chapter — for a total of 28 more than the last edition — students apply ideas and analysis as they read. One case in each chapter is entirely devoted to state and local concerns with topics ranging from gun laws in Nashville, to StateStat in Maryland, to the use of Twitter by Newark’s mayor to improve service delivery. Useful critical thinking questions at the end of each case help shape student responses and in-class conversation.