An edition of The Patriotic Business of Seeking Office (2006)
The Patriotic Business of Seeking Office
James K. Polk and the Patronage
By John Devoti
Publish Date
May 28, 2006
Publisher
University Press of America
Language
eng
Pages
154
Description:
"Historically, James K. Polk is described as a spoilsman who appointed officers based upon their party affiliation rather than their qualifications. This book, however, asserts that Polk merely followed an existing pattern of nomination that dated back to the beginning of the republic. Since George Washington, presidents have had to balance the need for competent civil servants with the desire to satisfy their supporters. Despite pressure from the party faithful, the chief executives looked to qualifications first and loyalty to the party second, and Polk was no exception. The Patriotic Business of Seeking Public Office offers a detailed examination of Polk's nomination practices and his quest for qualified candidates regardless of their party lines."--Publisher's website.