Date of Award

1-1-2013

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of History

Content Description

1 online resource (vi, 461 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Richard F. Hamm

Committee Members

Kendra Smith-Howard, Carl Bon Tempo

Keywords

Alfred E. Smith, Moreland Act, New York State Government, Governors, Governmental investigations

Subject Categories

Public Policy | United States History

Abstract

By examining Governor Alfred E. Smith's use of gubernatorial investigations sanctioned by law under the under the Moreland Act, this work details his efforts to transform New York State government from a chaotic system of boards, bureaus, commissions, and departments to a streamlined cabinet-style executive branch dominated by a strong governor. Hindered by a state constitution which severely limited gubernatorial power, Smith utilized one of the few tools open to governors to draw attention to, and then change, state government: executive investigation. In order to gain control of state administrative, budgetary, and public policy initiatives Smith challenged legislative leaders and unresponsive department heads to enact reform after his investigations uncovered corruption and inefficiency.

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