Executive Power and Civil Service Reform with Adam White and Clark Kelso

Host James-Christian Blockwood talks with Academy Fellow and McGeorge School of Law Professor Clark Kelso and American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Adam White about why public agencies struggle and what the executive branch does in response. They discuss how checks and balances slow action and make errors hard to undo, while polarization and congressional dysfunction push presidents toward unilateral action, creating separation-of-powers conflicts and court intervention. The conversation centers on Schedule F and fears it could expand political appointments and erode civil service protections. They conclude trust is rebuilt through tangible, non-rhetorical improvements, suggesting a public-safety focus like FAA modernization.01:14 Why Agencies Fail03:25 Checks Balances and Speed05:22 Congress Gridlock Executive Action09:44 Unitary Executive and Independence12:47 Courts Guardrails and Chevron15:44 Real World Impacts and Trust19:30 Reforming Bureaucracy and DOGE23:45 Schedule F Debate29:31 Rebuilding Trust and OptimismManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: [email protected] or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT