A Government of Strangers

Summarize the article in your own words (not their summary:)

Basically, what the article discussed was what we’ve been talking about in class for the past few days. The article discusses how the President and his top appointments have a large amount of power, but much of the government is run by civil servants who are chosen by their merit exam score. Many of these civil servants make a career out of their work and unlike the President they remain a civil servant for decades.

2.

One thing that surprised me in the article was how some civil servants seem to disregard ethics when trying to get something done. For example, one civil servant already had bills drafted before any of the ideas and policies were even discussed.

3.

One thing that I agree with in the article is that there is widespread political sabotage throughout the government. I believe there is widespread sabotage because each separate agency has their own agenda of what they want to get done and this is one method to effectively execute their policies.

4.

One thing that I disagree with in the article is that there cannot be continuity between the incoming administrations and the bureaucrats. I believe if both sides work together there is a way to achieve continuity between administrations.