MACMILLAN The Political Ethics of Public Service

This book provides a defense of democratic politics in American public service and offers the political ethics of public service as a realistic and optimistic alternative to the cynical American view toward politics and public service. The author’s alternative helps career public servants regain public trust by exercising constitutionally centered moral and political leadership that balances the regime values of liberty and equality in governing American society while contributing to the ethical progress of the nation. She identifies three distinct leadership styles of political ethics, enabling career public servants to reconcile their personal loyalties, morality, and consciences with the public and private morality of American society and their constitutional obligations to secure the democratic freedoms of Americans. Recognizing career public servants’ moral and institutional struggles, the book proposes a rigorous leadership development program to acclimate individuals to workplace psychological, moral, and political challenges. The view offered here is that career public servants must be a part of, rather than isolated from, American politics to be effective on the job. Review “The Political Ethics of Public Service blends constitutional principles and public service in a new and compelling manner by applying the traditional understanding of rights and values to current issues of public service ethics. Vogelsang-Coombs is insightful and creative in her approach to ethics for public administrators, elected officials, and students.” ―Larry Bakken, Distinguished Professor, Mitchell/Hamline School of Law, former mayor and president of the Minnesota League of Cities, and National League of Cities board member.   “The Political Ethics of Public Service takes us to the next level in internalizing and operationalizing constitutional rights and values. A major achievement, for sure!” ―David H. Rosenbloom, Distinguished Professor of Public Administration, American University (Washington, D.C.)   “A fresh, practical alternative to the usual "ethics moment" approach. Vogelsang-Coombs recognizes the impossibility of purging public administration of its political dimensions. She provides incisive analysis and empathetic guidance to career public servants facing moral dilemmas. The Political Ethics of Public Service is the book administrative ethics courses have long needed.” ―Camilla Stivers, author of Governance in Dark Times: Practical Philosophy for Public Service   “ The Political Ethics of Public Service brings constitutional history and law to life. The book clearly and vividly illustrates the Constitution's ongoing relevance to career public administrators. Professionals and students alike will benefit from the numerous insights into constitutional history and law.” ―Joseph Mead, Assistant Professor, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University From the Back Cover This book provides a defense of democratic politics in American public service and offers the political ethics of public service as a realistic and optimistic alternative to the cynical American view toward politics and public service. The author’s alternative helps career public servants regain public trust by exercising constitutionally centered moral and political leadership that balances the regime values of liberty and equality in governing American society while contributing to the ethical progress of the nation. She identifies three distinct leadership styles of political ethics, enabling career public servants to reconcile their personal loyalties, morality, and consciences with the public and private morality of American society and their constitutional obligations to secure the democratic freedoms of Americans. Recognizing career public servants’ moral and institutional struggles, the book proposes a rigorous leadership development program t