Normative political theories
Normative political theories serve two purposes, one is allowing an avenue to categorize
behavior when considering policymaking at a presidential level (Sylves, 2019). The other half of
this is to allow self-reflection for those involved with the emergency management process, such
as the managers, staff, and students (Sylves, 2019). In this discussion we will examine three
approaches or contributions to better handle disaster management and how it has affected in the
process.
Jeffersonian Model
The first approach is known as the Jeffersonian Model, named after the author of the Declaration
of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. This approach asks managers to have advanced
interpersonal skills with an understanding and ability to investigate understanding and consent
(Sylves, 2019). This manager would be well able to form strong relationships with individuals
and understand their subordinate’s roles and responsibilities in the workplace. To maintain these
relationships with the workers and public a Jeffersonian manager would be heavily involved in
activities among the public to further build upon relationships. The troublesome part of this is
how communities have now become reliant among each other or third parties to assist in the
recovery process. Jeffersonian managers on a local level, rely directly upon their support from
the community, media outlets and general population. If individuals in this role fail to assist the
community in a timely manner even once, it can potentially lead to distrust and lose the
opportunity to serve in future civil services (Sylves, 2019). The main principles found in this
approach consists of involvement within the community to build or sustain trust and to prove
their worth to the community and superiors within the government at a local and state level.
Hamiltonian Model
The second approach is known as the Hamiltonian Model. This model originates from the first
secretary of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The belief that was introduced here is based
off the managers getting results (Sylves, 2019). Hamiltonian managers then must rely on the
judgement of others, specifically their elected executives when forming an after-action report.
This judgement is essentially evaluations taken to examine what was done during the disaster
under public policy and law (Sylves, 2019). These managers aspire to become great leaders with
a record of well-placed decisions allowing them to provide future plans, and to carry out their
responsibilities. These managers understand “the substance, tools, and process of their work”
(Sylves, 2019). This manager advocates for politics to be less involved, gearing toward a more
self-sufficient approach to emergency management allowing for the rise of science and
technology the manager is capable of being an expert and better equipped in this category to
better serve the system. This can be seen in the utilization of contractors and their technology
with the development of HAZUS or Hazards U.S. (Sylves, 2019). This tool allowed the
managers to analyze the areas and ensure maximum safety to certain regions based off
geographic layouts of the area. “The epitome of the Hamiltonian manager style centers on the
ability to be trusted, allowing for independent decisions and formulating decisions from their
own authority” (Sylves, 2019).
Jacksonian model
The final approach is the Jacksonian model. This model is formed from Andrew Jackson, another
president that took office not too long after the War of 1812 and nicknamed the “people’s
president”. Andrew Jackson was an advocate for less federal involvement and allowing the local
and state level agencies to manage their affairs. Doing this allowed more citizens to become
closely involved and for less meddling from congress in local matters. Essentially Andrew
Jackson sought equality among social classes, for the rights to be shared among the “elites” and
the “common people”. These managers are very refined in their craft, professionals that out of
the three models would seek political appointment. A Jacksonian manager can be seen
performing very well under pressure, work to advance partisan and nationalist interests
concentrating on the state and local level (Sylves, 2019).
Which to choose?
The three models each bring different values and approaches to leadership when in the
emergency management position. The Jacksonian model bringing some controversy for some
especially since some contribute this model to Trump’s presidency and his policy making. Some
have even considered giving his philosophy its own name, “Trumpianism” (Rolf, 2021). The
research conducted within the article attached briefs you more on the mix of multiple models or
philosophies among separate presidencies, examining Obama, Bush, and Trump. Among the
former presidents I would attempt to juggle the different management styles. Reason being is
being stern and interested in the nation while limiting the federal government’s reach is an ideal
government and what may have been intended with the writing of the Constitution. The
Independence found in the Hamiltonian model is needed as well to show capability, efficiency of
leading and being trusted by their superiors or counterparts. The final portion involves being
more involved with the community, focusing on the state and local level for the Jeffersonian
model. Although this becomes more difficult the higher one may reach in the political battlefield
or workplace, ensuring contact in some manner with the “common man” will allow the trust to
be built and compounded over time when done correctly. The difficulty of balancing the
management styles can surely be seen in our recent presidents with these different philosophies
that their predecessors laid out before them. I favor the Jeffersonian model the most of the three
discussed, simply because you need to ensure a relationship is formed and maintained with the
community, whether it be a working relationship or not. The community is ultimately who pays
for your existence and if you show no use to them, they and including myself should not hesitate
to demand for funding to be relocated. Additionally, this model emphasizes for local and state
involvement and lessons the opportunity for those in the federal level to take part in the affairs
that can typically be handled at a lower level.
Rolf, J. N. (2021). Donald Trump’s Jacksonian and Jeffersonian Foreign Policy. Policy Studies,
1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/01442872.2021.1934431
