This paper examines statesmanship as an essential quality in public administration, arguing that effective governance requires integrity, wisdom, and the courage to act in the public interest even against popular opinion. Drawing on Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation as a central case study, the paper explores how true statesmanship transcends short-term political pressures and constitutional constraints alike. It also considers how the modern news cycle has eroded expectations of principled leadership, and why figures like Lincoln continue to be remembered as great statesmen. The paper engages scholarship from Livingstone, Overeem and Bakker, and Jones to ground its argument in both historical and theoretical perspectives.
This study guide is drawn from PaperDue's library of 130,000+ paper examples across 47 subjects.
Public administration is one of the most important facets of any government. It is responsible for executing the policies and laws passed by the legislature, as well as providing services to the public. Due to its importance, public administration must be conducted in a professional and ethical manner. This requires statesmanship on the part of those in positions of authority. Statesmanship is a way of conducting oneself in public office that is characterized by integrity, wisdom, and foresight. It involves making decisions in the best interests of the country, even when those decisions are unpopular. Statesmanship is an essential quality for any public administrator, as it helps to ensure that the affairs of state are conducted in a responsible and effective manner.
The case of Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation is an example of statesmanship in the mold of Publius from the Federalist Papers: of a public administrator who "had the courage and magnanimity enough to serve [the people] at the peril of their displeasure" (Livingstone, 1999, p. 203). Lincoln did not simply follow the prevailing attitudes of the Union regarding slavery; the northern states did not want free Black Americans migrating north as freed men — but Lincoln saw it as being in the best interests of the Union and the nation to free them nonetheless. In other words, Lincoln was elected to serve the nation and the people by making the right decisions for the nation, even if those decisions flew in the face of popular opinion.
This is an important and instructive case to consider because it illustrates what a true statesman should be. The Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most controversial documents in American history, yet it is also one of the most important and pivotal moments in both American history and public administration. On the one hand, it is seen as a bold and noble act that helped bring about the end of slavery. On the other hand, it is viewed by some as a cynical political maneuver that did little to actually improve the lives of African Americans. Whether one views the Proclamation in a positive or negative light, there is no denying that it was a brave and statesmanlike act on Lincoln's part. At a time when public opinion was overwhelmingly against emancipation, Lincoln had the courage to do what he believed was right, regardless of the consequences. This kind of strength of character is what true statesmanship is all about. In fact, some scholars have argued that true statesmanship exists outside of any constitutional order; it transcends all and serves the one, the good, the true, and the beautiful — the transcendental ideals, in other words (Overeem & Bakker, 2019).
"Modern news cycles versus principled political leadership"
That is why Lincoln is remembered to this day as a great statesman: he made a decision that might have seemed wrong at the time, but in the long run it has been honored as a great decision for the future of the nation. The example of Lincoln demonstrates that principled leadership — grounded in integrity, wisdom, and foresight — remains the truest measure of statesmanship, in any era.
You’re 67% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 1 section.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.