Can We Still Govern?

Can We Still Govern? explores the intersection of government quality, public policy, administration burdens, and political influence on governmental functionality. It addresses issues like DEI, administrative competence, political accountability, the impact of ideological priorities over organizational goals, and strategies to improve governance through reducing administrative sludge and protecting democratic processes.

Government Quality Public Policy Administrative Burdens Political Accountability Ideological Influence on Governance Democratic Processes Organizational Management Judicial Decisions

The hottest Substack posts of Can We Still Govern?

And their main takeaways

No, University Endowments Can’t Replace Federal Science Funding

205 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Higher education Research Funding Inequality
  1. University endowments are not a single pool of money. They are made up of many funds that come with specific rules about how they can be used.
  2. Only a few universities have very large endowments, while most institutions struggle financially. So, using these endowments to compensate for federal funding cuts wouldn’t work.
  3. The idea of taxing large endowments might seem fair, but it could harm universities. It's important to use those funds for broader access and support for smaller schools instead.

Who is included in Trump's America?

360 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disability Rights Government Policy Public Service Political Advocacy
  1. Policies under Trump's administration are making it harder for people with disabilities to find jobs and gain opportunities. Many young people, like Vincent, are facing canceled internships and hiring freezes.
  2. Cuts to funding and support programs for disabled individuals are threatening their education and healthcare. This is causing fear for many who rely on these services to succeed.
  3. The exclusion of disabled individuals from public life affects everyone, as it limits diverse perspectives and contributions in society. It's important for us all to support inclusion and equal opportunities.

Military Purges and Complacent Judges

248 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Judiciary Military Public Policy
  1. The federal government is not too big; in fact, federal employment has declined over the years. Most government jobs support national security and public services that people rely on every day.
  2. Recent actions by the Trump administration have created a toxic work environment for federal employees, leading to fears and insecurity about job stability. This drastic change may hurt the public service we depend on.
  3. Judges need to pay more attention to the ongoing political changes and their impacts on federal jobs. They must act quickly to protect employees from unjust firings and make sure the legal system remains fair.

The Weaponization of Trauma

224 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Workforce Issues Social justice
  1. Public employees are facing serious emotional challenges due to job instability and harsh government changes. Many report feeling anxious, paranoid, and stressed.
  2. There is a sense of betrayal among workers who relied on their institutions. When their commitment was questioned, it deeply hurt their trust and identity.
  3. The actions of the administration are seen as intentionally creating trauma to control and diminish the morale of public workers, leading to fears about the future.

DOGE Mismanagement Principles

569 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Policy Analysis Employee Rights
  1. Firing key employees can hurt government functions. Specialists who handle vital tasks, like managing nuclear arsenals, should not be let go without careful thought.
  2. Treating employees poorly leads to distrust and resentment. If workers feel insecure or undervalued, they won’t be motivated to return if hired back.
  3. Cutting agencies that collect taxes can weaken government. Reducing the IRS staff, for example, may benefit wealthy individuals while harming the government's ability to function effectively.
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What research tells us about politicization and state capacity

181 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Civil Service Policy Analysis
  1. Politicization in government can lead to lower performance and higher corruption. When hiring focuses on political loyalty rather than skills, it results in less competent people in key roles.
  2. State capacity, or the government's ability to perform effectively, can be weakened by politicization. This makes it harder for governments to achieve their policy goals and respond effectively to public needs.
  3. Investing in state capacity takes time and is often not rewarded by voters. People tend to support immediate relief efforts rather than long-term improvements that strengthen government functions.

The Personalist Presidency

172 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Power Election Dynamics Political Behavior Civil Service
  1. The 'personalist presidency' emphasizes loyalty to one leader more than established rules or policies. This means that appointments and governance often depend on who is loyal rather than who is most qualified.
  2. Governance by fear is a new tactic that uses threats and conspiratorial messaging to intimidate public officials. This environment discourages dissent and makes it harder for them to do their jobs.
  3. There is a trend toward weakening traditional civil service protections, allowing more political appointees and less experienced individuals to take on critical roles. This change can lead to instability and inefficiency in government.

The Forced Fork and the Choice to Stay

396 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Service Policy Changes
  1. Federal employees are facing a tough choice between accepting a buyout or risking their jobs due to pressure and uncertainty. Many still choose to stay, showing their commitment to public service.
  2. The idea of a buyout is seen as both a threat and an unfair strategy to weaken public service. The communication surrounding it feels insincere and creates an anxious workplace.
  3. No matter the choice, whether to leave or stay, federal employees should feel proud of their service. It's important to focus on integrity and commitment, even in difficult conditions.

Are laws just vibes now?

342 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Legislation Governance Legal issues Public Policy
  1. Cuts to university health research funding can severely harm medical care and research. This might create gaps in funding that affect the quality of healthcare in the U.S.
  2. There's a worrying trend where laws are being ignored or bypassed by the government. This makes it feel like the rule of law doesn't matter anymore, leading to uncertainty and distrust.
  3. The debate over these legal issues often gets framed as a simple disagreement. However, many experts believe that clear violations of the law are happening, which should not be overlooked.

Compelling Mass Civil Servant Resignations Will Create Chaos

660 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Public Service
  1. Many federal employees are feeling uncertain about their jobs due to recent announcements, making them tempted to accept exit offers. These offers seem attractive after a lot of pressure from the government.
  2. The exit offer is misleading because it promises benefits that might not fully materialize. Employees who take the offer may find themselves without job security or clear benefits.
  3. Mass resignations of federal workers could harm important government services. Losing skilled employees impacts the ability to provide essential services to the public.

Meditations in an Emergency

375 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Power Trump administration Public Policy
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant control over important data and government operations, which raises serious concerns about privacy and security. It's crucial to ask who really benefits from this data control.
  2. Musk's push to shut down agencies like USAID is not just about foreign aid; it's a power grab that could undermine democratic systems. Ignorance and conspiracy theories seem to drive his decision-making.
  3. Public servants are standing up against illegal actions from the administration, and they need support from courts, media, and Congress to protect government integrity. These officials are crucial in maintaining checks on power.

DOGE: Dangerous Oligarchs Grab Everything

433 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Public Policy Political Influence Democracy Corruption
  1. There is growing concern that wealthy individuals are gaining too much power, which threatens democracy and fairness in society. People are worried about how this could affect basic rights and opportunities for everyone.
  2. A group known as DOGE is seen as being run by billionaires who oppose government regulations while benefiting from government contracts. This raises questions about their accountability and the real intentions behind their actions.
  3. DOGE aims to use social media to sway public opinion and cut government programs, relying on a powerful media presence. Many believe this could lead to unpopular decisions that are masked as necessary reforms, potentially undermining important social services.

How Will Trump's Executive Orders Change Government?

375 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Governance Public Services
  1. There's a new hiring freeze for federal workers, except for some critical positions. This might lead to fewer employees in public service and could impact areas like the IRS.
  2. Trump's orders are bringing back a system that allows him to fire career employees and replace them with political appointees. This could change how government jobs are managed and create a more partisan public service.
  3. Many staff will have to return to in-person work, which could make it harder for the government to attract and keep talented employees. Remote work has been shown to be productive, but there's a push to end those arrangements.

Jan. 6 and the path not taken

399 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Leadership Political parties Elections Civil Rights
  1. Republican leaders failed to act against Trump after the January 6 event, which allowed him to regain power and continue his influence. They prioritized their own political goals over protecting democracy.
  2. Many Americans have moved from viewing the January 6 attack as a threat to democracy to seeing it as a sign of loyalty to Trump. This shift shows how quickly narratives can change in politics.
  3. In contrast to other countries, where leaders who challenged democracy faced consequences, the U.S. is seeing Trump and his allies returning to power without accountability for their actions. This raises concerns about the future of American democracy.

Some basic math about cutting government

1377 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Public Sentiment
  1. Cutting federal employees won't save as much money as some politicians claim. Even a big cut might only save a small portion of overall government spending.
  2. There's a belief that the government has too many workers, but in fact, the current number of federal employees is low compared to the overall population and their skills are often outdated.
  3. Many government programs are popular and provide valuable services. Cutting them could lead to public backlash, as people generally support these services even if they say they want smaller government.

Whats next for CX in government?

151 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Customer Experience Public Policy
  1. The federal government is working on improving customer experience with public services. This is meant to help citizens feel respected and decrease frustration with processes.
  2. Recent laws are pushing agencies to focus on better service delivery. Each agency will have to appoint someone to oversee these efforts, ensuring they prioritize public needs.
  3. Four key themes emerged for better service: putting the public first, having dedicated customer experience teams, collaborating across departments, and simplifying processes to make them easier for everyone.

You Should Be More Worried About Trump's Planned Military Purge

572 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Leadership Changes
  1. There are worries about a potential military purge that could target senior officers based on their political beliefs rather than their qualifications. This could change the military into a more politically loyal organization.
  2. The criteria for removing these officers includes actions like promoting diversity or participating in discussions about inclusivity, which raises concerns about fairness and the implications for military effectiveness.
  3. This situation might lead to greater politicization of the military, where future leaders may prioritize loyalty to a president over professional merit, potentially harming the military's stability and effectiveness in the long run.

Will the federal government become a toxic employer?

287 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Government Public Policy Workforce Issues Political Rhetoric Leadership
  1. Musk and Ramaswamy make big promises about changing government, but many claims are misleading or unrealistic. They seem more interested in getting attention than actually fixing issues.
  2. Their ideas about mass firings and relocations are not well thought out and could hurt the effectiveness of federal agencies. Making government a worse place to work might not lead to better performance.
  3. Federal employees are encouraged to stay in their positions despite tough conditions. Their presence is important for maintaining effective governance and democracy.

What Happens Next?

993 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Government Structure Political corruption Public Services Administrative state
  1. If Trump returns to office, he will likely make major changes to how federal workers are treated, possibly firing many and reclassifying them as political appointees. This could create a government that is less experienced and more loyal to his administration.
  2. Trump's second term may be more organized but still chaotic, with a focus on advancing his goals and possibly reducing regulatory oversight. However, this could lead to a decline in the quality of public services and less effective governance overall.
  3. Corruption might become more common under Trump, with personal interests overlapping with government duties. This could result in conflicts of interest becoming normalized, making it harder to hold him and his administration accountable.

Who is allowed to practice identity politics?

805 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Political strategy Election Analysis Media Critique
  1. Kamala Harris did not campaign on identity politics, even though many critics claim she did. Her campaign focused more on economic issues and policies rather than solely on identity-related topics.
  2. Donald Trump did use identity politics in his campaign by targeting specific groups negatively. He often painted immigrants and other marginalized groups as threats, which resonated with certain voter bases.
  3. The media tends to label identity politics as only a left-wing issue, ignoring how right-wing politics also play on group identities, especially among white Christian nationalists.

Jimmy Carter as public manager

205 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Reform Civil Service Presidential History
  1. Jimmy Carter was the last U.S. President to pass significant civil service reforms, focusing on modernizing and protecting government workers from political interference. This shows how important it is to balance accountability and ethics in government.
  2. Carter introduced the idea of Zero-Based Budgeting to the federal government, but it didn't work. This highlights the challenges of applying private sector methods in a political system that operates differently.
  3. The principles set by Carter's reforms for federal employees emphasize fairness and merit, which are important for creating a trustworthy government. Striking the right balance between political influence and protection for government workers is still an ongoing debate.

Has Switzerland Built the Best Public Transportation System in the World?

272 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Transportation Infrastructure Tourism Public Policy Government
  1. Switzerland has a top-notch public transportation system that is reliable and well-connected. You can easily hop on different trains and buses without hassle, making travel stress-free.
  2. The Swiss transportation system is designed with the user in mind, lowering confusion and making it easy to know where to go next. You rarely need to worry about tickets because everything is convenient, like using one pass for all transport.
  3. Overall, Switzerland’s approach to public transportation shows how good planning and organization can create an excellent travel experience. It reflects a commitment to making travel accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford cars.

Fake Jobs and Fake Facts

375 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Political strategy Elections Public Policy
  1. Musk's claim that some government jobs are 'fake' highlights a misunderstanding of how important certain roles are in addressing public issues, like climate change. Real government work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.
  2. The idea of restructuring government with big influence from private sector billionaires raises concerns about accountability and transparency. People worry that this could lead to a lack of proper checks and balances in government operations.
  3. Musk's plans to reduce federal regulations and budgets might sound appealing, but the legal and practical realities show it would be much harder to achieve than claimed. Many regulations require processes that can't just be ignored or wiped away.

A Parade of Horribles

263 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Strategy Domestic Policy
  1. Trump's Cabinet picks have sparked concern. Some choices, like Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, seem okay, but many lack relevant experience.
  2. Kristi Noem, picked for Homeland Security, has limited understanding of national security. Her past actions raise doubts about her judgment and qualifications.
  3. Pete Hegseth, chosen as Secretary of Defense, is controversial due to his extremist views and previous military disqualification. His loyalty to Trump could shape military decisions in troubling ways.

Making SNAP Interviews More Flexible Increases Take-up

96 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Social programs Public Administration
  1. Making interviews for SNAP more flexible can help more people get the benefits they need. When applicants can choose when to interview, like calling in at their convenience, they are more likely to complete the process.
  2. Reducing procedural denials is important because many people get turned away not due to ineligibility, but because they miss the required interview. By making interviews easier, agencies can save time and money while helping people access food assistance.
  3. Flexible interviews have already shown success in cities like Los Angeles and Boulder, where approval rates increased and benefits were received faster. This shows that small changes in the process can significantly improve access to support for those in need.

Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Readers Picks

63 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Elections Political Analysis Identity politics Government Structure
  1. The 2024 presidential election brought a lot of focus on identity politics and its impact on candidates' success.
  2. There are growing concerns about the potential risks of political changes affecting government stability and operations.
  3. Cuts to government programs are often oversimplified and can harm valuable services that people rely on.

Governing by Terror

178 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Government Institutions Media influence Trumpism
  1. Intimidation has become common for public servants, affecting their ability to work effectively. This creates a scary work environment that can stop good governance.
  2. The media sometimes amplifies unfounded attacks on officials, treating them as national scandals without factual evidence. This can lead to harassment and fear among these public workers.
  3. The tactics used against public servants, like surveillance and creating lists of targets, are similar to those seen in universities. This shows a broader trend of attacking institutions and encouraging a culture of fear.

Rationing Rights

127 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Disability Rights Policy Reform Social justice Government programs
  1. Many people with disabilities and older adults face long waitlists for Medicaid home care services. These waitlists can last from a few years to over a hundred years, making it hard for them to get the help they need.
  2. The eligibility process for these services is often very confusing. Many families feel overwhelmed and may not even apply because they think it’s unlikely they will receive assistance.
  3. There are calls to make home and community-based services an entitlement. This means that anyone eligible should have the guaranteed right to get these services, making it easier for people with disabilities to live independently.

What a Second Trump Term Might Mean for Disability Policy

105 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Education Housing Social Policy
  1. Project 2025 suggests changes that could make it harder for people with disabilities to get education and support. This may mean less help from federal programs that many rely on.
  2. The housing situation for disabled individuals could get worse. The plan wants to remove protections against housing discrimination without offering new solutions.
  3. Health care coverage for disabled people is at risk. Proposed changes could make it easier for insurance companies to deny coverage and make Medicaid harder to access.

Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Personal Favorites

33 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Power Accountability
  1. Trump's first impeachment shows how he changed his views on using power in politics. It gave insights into his style of leadership.
  2. The idea of 'unelected bureaucrats' is often seen negatively, but they are actually quite accountable in how they operate.
  3. There are ongoing attacks on scholars studying race, focusing on undermining their work and credibility. This could have major impacts on academia.

Legal Abortion Protections Aren't Enough

69 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Health Policy Reproductive Health
  1. Trump's administration could make it harder for women to access medication for abortion, which is used in most cases. This might include limiting how it can be obtained, like using telehealth services.
  2. Reproductive health care access, including basic services like contraception, could be restricted nationwide. Trump may use federal power to cut funding to providers, making it tougher for women to get care.
  3. There might be a rise in misinformation about reproductive health. Strategies to confuse the public about abortion being health care could lead to more restrictive policies in all states.

Can Community Navigators Increase Access to Unemployment Insurance?

48 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social programs Policy Analysis Community Organizing
  1. Many people who qualify for unemployment benefits don't get them because applying can be really hard and confusing. Community navigators can help make this process easier for those who are struggling.
  2. Research in Maine found that community navigator programs made it more likely for people to apply for and receive unemployment benefits faster. These navigators also helped reduce stress for applicants.
  3. While community navigators can improve access, they can't solve all the problems. The unemployment system still needs more funding and better rules to work effectively for everyone.

White Christian nationalism: the most powerful identity politics

205 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Religious freedom State power Legislation
  1. Christian nationalism is a powerful form of identity politics, blending far-right Christianity with nationalism, associated with support for political violence and racial identity.
  2. Christian nationalism operates by appealing to a sense of grievance and persecution among White Christians, leading to a defense of White supremacy and denial of discrimination against Black individuals.
  3. Under a Christian nationalist state, winners are White reactionary politics while losers include religious, racial, and sexual minorities, as well as the erosion of reproductive rights and bodily autonomy.

Candidate profile: Bethany Mandel

193 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Health Public Health Social Issues
  1. Bethany Mandel is posing as a Democrat for a predominantly Democratic region, even though she identifies as a Republican and campaigns in an anti-woke, right-wing style.
  2. Mandel raises concerns about legal fees in the school district yet is actively suing the school while also suing teachers for blocking her on Twitter, showing a lack of consistency.
  3. Mandel, despite not having her children attend school, is critical toward public services, misunderstands the social contract, flip-flopped on vaccines during the pandemic, and lacks tolerance for views diverging from her own.

What David Brooks Gets Wrong about the Time Tax

196 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Conservatism Administration Bureaucracy
  1. David Brooks addresses administrative burdens, but overlooks contributions from private companies and conservative politicians as well.
  2. Bureaucracies tend to create administrative burdens, which accumulate over time and may not align with the organization's mission.
  3. Brooks proposes sludge audits and enhancing customer experience as ways to address bureaucracy, emphasizing that markets also generate administrative burdens.

Make America Hungary Again

148 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Authoritarianism Media Control Higher education Bureaucracy
  1. The MAGA movement's admiration for Viktor Orban signifies a desire for authoritarianism over greatness, as demonstrated by Orban's undemocratic tactics in Hungary.
  2. Orban's success lies in his ability to consolidate power by controlling institutions like the media, judiciary, and higher education, mirroring patterns seen in the potential rise of American Orbanism.
  3. Orban's strategy includes increasing control over the bureaucracy to create a network of loyalists, leading to a corrupt system enabling his authoritarian rule, which American politicians are observing for potential application.

The surveilled campus

239 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Higher education
  1. Story highlights how the professional outrage machine targets faculty and students on American campuses.
  2. Conservative campus groups use tactics like building plywood walls to provoke and surveil, leading to media scrutiny and consequences for individuals.
  3. Incidents like these reveal a trend of surveillance, recording, and media pressure for punishment that undermines trust and community on college campuses.

A tangible thing you can do today to fight Trump's takeover of the federal government

215 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Civil Service Accountability Partisanship
  1. You can take action against Trump's attempt to politicize the federal government by commenting on a proposed rule to neuter Schedule F.
  2. Public comments on rules can influence policy decisions and help protect the independence of the bureaucracy.
  3. Increasing politicization of government agencies can lead to lower performance, reduced accountability, and less responsiveness to Congress and the public.