This is the core chapter on the separation of powers within the constitutional governance structure of
the United States and how public administration fits within that structure. The triad of political powers is
identified together with the triad of jurisdictions in terms of the local, state and national government. The
subordinate role of public administration within the executive power of government is explained in contrast to the
assertions in the Blacksburg Manifesto (Wamsley, 1990a). The public administration's role in defining the public
interest is explained, where the public interest is defined in terms of the “good” to which American society is
consciously aspiring.
