[EAI Working Paper] 2022 Conditions for Presidential Success Series: V. Democratically Control Bureaucrats, Do Not Be Swayed by Them

Editor's Note

Bureaucrats are partners and resources that the president and the ruling party must necessarily utilize and seek cooperation from to achieve policy goals. Professor Jang Seung-jin of Kookmin University, author of Chapter 4, 'Democratically Control Bureaucrats, Do Not Be Swayed by Them,' in '2022 Conditions for Presidential Success,' argues for the democratic control of bureaucrats, who possess expertise and information, for the smooth operation of state affairs. Here, 'democratic control' does not mean simple command and suppression, but rather a method of enabling the achievement of state goals while maximizing the capabilities of bureaucrats. The author emphasizes that while code appointments should not be hesitated, the president's arbitrary exercise of appointment power should not be permitted, and recommends structuring the bureaucracy on the foundation for restoring policy-making authority and autonomy to the cabinet and administration. Furthermore, the author adds that democratic control systems should be established to ensure checks and balances among power institutions.