ASSIGNMENT | Current and emerging issues in Public Administration

Given their knowledge of history and their experiences under British rule, it is not surprising that the Founders feared possible abuses of governmental powers. Read the following three statements by famous American founders, then respond to the questions that follow.

\”Give all power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all power to the few, they will oppress the many.\” -Alexander Hamilton 1787

\”There are two passions which have a powerful influence on the affairs of men. These are ambition and avarice; the love of power and the love of money.\” -Benjamin Franklin, 1787

\”From the nature of man, we may be sure that those who have power in their hands…will always, when they can…increase it.\” -George Mason, 1787

1) What view of human nature is expressed in each of these statements? Do you agree with that view? Why or why not?

2) If you agree with the views of human nature expressed in the statements, what kind of safeguards to prevent abuses of power would you include in a constitution?

3) Do you think the Founders\’ concerns about government are as valid today as they were in the 1700s? Why or why not?
Authors: Jay M. Shafritz, E.W. Russell, Christopher P. Borick, and Albert c. Hyde.
Book: Introduction Public Administration

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Current and Emerging Issues in Public Administration
What view of human nature is expressed in each of these statements? Do you agree with that view? Why or why not?
Having examined the three statements as they relate to government powers, there are different views of human nature from each. First, in the statement by Alexander Hamilton (1787), “Give all power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all power to the few, they will oppress the many,” the view of human nature is that individuals with immense power potential infringe on the others, thus a need to strike a balance. In…