Democracy and Executive Power: Policymaking Accountability in the US, the UK, Germany, and France

Susan Rose-Ackerman makes the case that public involvement in executive rule-making procedures is essential to maintaining the legitimacy of regulatory policy-making in a cross-national comparison of public policy-making in the US, the UK, France, and Germany.

Format: Hardback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

This groundbreaking examination of how four advanced democracies pursue legitimacy in the bureaucratic implementation of regulatory law offers a significant contribution.

The statutory delegation of rule-making authority to the executive has recently sparked controversy. While there are guiding models, Susan Rose-Ackerman argues that none adequately meet the requirements of regulating in the public interest. To uphold the legitimacy of regulatory policy-making, she advocates for public participation within executive rule-making processes across a cross-national comparison of public policy-making in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Rose-Ackerman begins by examining the historical roots of regulatory agencies and their role in shaping public policy. She highlights the tension between the democratic ideal of citizen participation and the need for expertise and efficiency in policy-making. She argues that the traditional model of regulatory agencies, which relies heavily on bureaucratic expertise, is inadequate in the face of complex and rapidly changing regulatory environments.

To address this challenge, Rose-Ackerman proposes a model of public participation that involves a range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, civil society organizations, and academic experts. She suggests that these stakeholders should be actively involved in the rule-making process at all stages, from the formulation of policy proposals to the finalization of regulations. By engaging with a diverse range of perspectives, regulatory agencies can ensure that their policies are more effective, equitable, and sustainable.

Rose-Ackerman's study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of combining public consultation with bureaucratic expertise in the implementation of regulatory law. She highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and democratic legitimacy in regulatory policy-making. By engaging with a broader range of stakeholders, regulatory agencies can build trust and confidence in their decisions, which can ultimately benefit all citizens.

However, Rose-Ackerman also acknowledges that implementing a model of public participation is not without its challenges. She notes that regulatory agencies may face resistance from industry groups and other stakeholders who may oppose certain policies or regulations. Additionally, regulatory agencies may need to invest resources and develop new skills to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

In conclusion, this exceptional exploration of how four advanced democracies pursue legitimacy in the bureaucratic implementation of regulatory law offers a valuable contribution to the field. By advocating for public participation within executive rule-making processes, regulatory agencies can ensure that their policies are more effective, equitable, and sustainable. While there are challenges to be overcome, the benefits of engaging with a broader range of stakeholders are clear. As regulatory agencies continue to navigate the complex and rapidly changing landscape of public policy-making, this study provides a roadmap for achieving legitimacy and effectiveness in the bureaucratic implementation of regulatory law.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300254952