Federal Executive Reorganization: Thirty Years of Experience.

This article treats three main topics related to federal executive reorganization. Considering first the range of purposes actually served or intended by reorganizations, most of which involve shifts in control or status, in contrast with the officially recognized criteria, it concludes that people are no nearer to measurable and mutually compatible standards. Turning next to the processes of initiation and approval, it analyzes the provisions of the successive Reorganization Acts and the disposition of plans submitted, emphasizing their spasmodic use and the distinctive characteristics of the method: it guarantees the President of the United States, if a plan is challenged, a prompt floor vote on his proposal, barring amendments and bypassing the legislative committees, the leadership, and other normal hazards of legislation. Dealing finally with prospects, it concludes that the doctrines so far developed are inadequate to solve the impending problems of interdepartmental and intergovernmental co-ordination.