This article explores the relationships among Founding thought, the American character, and public administration. It is argued that the Founders expected that individualism, acquisitiveness, and a concern for reputation would be major building blocks of the regime. Madison, Hamilton, and Tocqueville saw these traits as essential to the American democracy. Currently, aspects of public administration are under attack as endangering these citizen attributes. The authors contend that public administration is necessary as a corrective of certain negative features of individualism and acquisitiveness. However, it is also argued that, to be effective, administrative policies should foster the most salutary aspects of these character traits. Several early New Deal programs are used as examples of appropriate policies. Guidelines for formulating public policies in the 1980s are suggested.
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