Bureaucratic Powers oleh Corbin Shepherd

Bureaucratic Powers investigates the crucial balance between government authority and the potential for administrative overreach in modern governance. It emphasizes that while administrative agencies are vital for implementing policies, their significant power necessitates careful legal limits and constant oversight.

The book explores the discretionary actions of public officials and the legal safeguards intended to prevent abuses of authority, which is critical because these decisions impact nearly every aspect of modern life. For instance, bureaucratic actions can affect environmental regulations, healthcare policies, and national security.

The book begins by examining the theoretical foundations of government authority and progresses to analyzing administrative discretion. It delves into the rule-making process, the role of oversight bodies, and judicial review. By drawing from legal statutes, court opinions, and empirical studies, the book offers real-world examples of how bureaucratic power manifests in various policy domains. A key insight is how citizen advocacy can act as a check against bureaucratic overreach.

What sets this book apart is its comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. Instead of simply critiquing bureaucracy, it provides a nuanced analysis of administrative agencies, balancing the need for effective government action with the protection of individual rights. The book provides insights relevant to political science, law, and public administration, making it a valuable resource for students, scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of government.