Presidents Prioritize Non-Policy Patronage for Agencies Off Their Agenda

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.