Campaign experience and connections influence presidential appointees. President Obama's appointees illustrate how ideology, competence, and non-policy reasons shape placement in federal agencies.
🔍 Data & Methods
New data on 1,307 Obama administration appointees analyzed using a formal model to test selection patterns.
💡 Key Findings
- Presidents more often placed non-policy appointees in agencies not aligned with their priorities or policy views.
- Agencies off the president's agenda received less qualified candidates who lacked key attributes (ideology, competence).
🌐 Why It Matters
This study highlights that patronage remains a critical factor in American politics and presidential governance.
Patronage appointments still matter.
