Bio


Terry M. Moe is the William Bennett Munro Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution.

He has written extensively on the presidency and public bureaucracy, as well as American politics and political institutions more generally. His articles include "The New Economics of Organization," "The Politicized Presidency," "The Politics of Bureaucratic Structure," "Political Institutions: The Neglected Side of the Story," "Presidents, Institutions, and Theory," “The Presidential Power of Unilateral Action” (with William Howell), “Power and Political Institutions,” “Political Control and the Power of the Agent,.” “Vested Interests and Political Institutions,” “Public Sector Unions and the Costs of Government” (with Sarah Anzia), and “Do Politicians Use Policy to Make Politics? The Case of Public Sector Labor Laws” (with Sarah Anzia). His most recent books are Relic: How Our Constitution Undermines Effective Government--And Why We Need a More Powerful Presidency (with William Howell, 2016), and Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy (with William Howell, 2020).

He has also written extensively on the politics of American education. His most recent books are The Politics of Institutional Reform: Katrina, Education, and the Second Face of Power (2019); The Comparative Politics of Education: Teachers Unions and Education Systems Around the World (edited with Susanne Wiborg, 2017); and Special Interest: Teachers Unions and America’s Public Schools (2011). His past work on education includes Politics, Markets, and America's Schools (1990) and Liberating Learning: Technology, Politics, and the Future of American Education (2009), both with John E. Chubb, and Schools, Vouchers, and the American Public (2001).

Academic Appointments


Administrative Appointments


  • Chair, Department of Political Science (2004 - 2007)
  • William Bennett Munro Professor of Political Science, Stanford University (2003 - Present)
  • Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution (1992 - Present)
  • Fellow, Center for Advanced Study, Stanford (1992 - 1993)
  • Professor, Political Science, Stanford University (1990 - Present)
  • Associate Professor, Stanford University (1986 - 1990)
  • Associate Professor, Stanford University (1984 - 1986)
  • Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution (1984 - 1986)
  • Assistant Professor, Stanford University (1981 - 1984)
  • Assistant Professor, Michigan State University (1976 - 1981)

Honors & Awards


  • Norton Long Career Achievement Award for contributions to the study of urban politics, American Political Science Association (2021)
  • Legacy Award for enduring contributions to the study of the presidency and executive politics, American Political Science Association (2020)
  • Thomas B. Fordham Prize for Distinguished Scholarship, Thomas B. Fordham Foundation (2005)
  • Herbert Simon Award for contributions to the scientific study of bureaucracy, Midwest Public Administration Caucus (of the Midwest Political Science Association) (2001)
  • Pi Sigma Alpha Award for best paper at the 1983 American Political Science Association convention, American Political Science Association (1983)

Program Affiliations


  • Center for East Asian Studies
  • Public Policy

Professional Education


  • Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Political Science (1976)
  • B.A., University of California, San Diego, Economics (1971)

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


The presidency, American political institutions, education politics.

2023-24 Courses


Stanford Advisees


All Publications


  • The strongman presidency and the two logics of presidential power PRESIDENTIAL STUDIES QUARTERLY Howell, W. G., Moe, T. M. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1111/psq.12830

    View details for Web of Science ID 000996020700001

  • America's Crisis of Democracy POLITICAL SCIENCE QUARTERLY Howell, W. G., Moe, T. M. 2021; 136 (1): 105–27

    View details for DOI 10.1002/polq.13135

    View details for Web of Science ID 000628873900004

  • Vested Interests in a Time of Crisis National Affairs Moe, T. M. 2021: 42-52
  • Interest Groups on the Inside: The Governance of Public Pension Funds PERSPECTIVES ON POLITICS Anzia, S. F., Moe, T. M. 2019; 17 (4): 1059–78
  • Polarization and Policy: The Politics of Public-Sector Pensions LEGISLATIVE STUDIES QUARTERLY Anzia, S. F., Moe, T. M. 2017; 42 (1): 33-62

    View details for DOI 10.1111/lsq.12145

    View details for Web of Science ID 000397262600002

  • Do Politicians Use Policy to Make Politics? The Case of Public-Sector Labor Laws AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Anzia, S. F., Moe, T. M. 2016; 110 (4): 763-777
  • Vested Interests and Political Institutions POLITICAL SCIENCE QUARTERLY Moe, T. M. 2015; 130 (2): 277-318

    View details for DOI 10.1002/polq.12321

    View details for Web of Science ID 000356450200004

  • Public Sector Unions and the Costs of Government JOURNAL OF POLITICS Anzia, S. F., Moe, T. M. 2015; 77 (1): 114-127

    View details for DOI 10.1086/678311

    View details for Web of Science ID 000350337600014

  • Focusing on Fundamentals: A Reply to Koski and Horng EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION AND POLICY ANALYSIS Anzia, S. F., Moe, T. M. 2014; 36 (1): 120-123
  • Collective Bargaining, Transfer Rights, and Disadvantaged Schools EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION AND POLICY ANALYSIS Anzia, S. F., Moe, T. M. 2014; 36 (1): 83-111
  • Moving to the Institutional Center The Futures of School Reform Moe, T. M., Hill, P. T. edited by Mehta, J., Schwartz, R., Hess, F. M. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press. 2013
  • Delegation, Control, and the Study of Public Bureaucracy FORUM-A JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN CONTEMPORARY POLITICS Moe, T. M. 2012; 10 (2)
  • Teachers Unions and American Education Reform: The Politics of Blocking FORUM-A JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN CONTEMPORARY POLITICS Moe, T. M. 2012; 10 (1)
  • Delegation, Control, and the Study of Public Bureaucracy Handbook of Organizational Economics Moe, T. M. edited by Gibbons, R., Roberts, J. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. 2012
  • Special Interest: Teachers Unions and America’s Public Schools Moe, T. M. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution. 2011
  • Government, Markets, and the Mixed Model of American Education Reform Education Week Moe, T. M., Hill, P. T. 2011
  • The Revolution in Presidential Studies PRESIDENTIAL STUDIES QUARTERLY Moe, T. 2009; 39 (4): 701-724
  • The Revolution in Presidential Studies Presidential Studies Quarterly Moe, T. M. 2009; 39 (3)
  • Virtual Schools: Will Education Technology Change the Nature of Learning? Education Next Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. 2009
  • The Presidency and the Bureaucracy: The Levers of Presidential Control The Presidency and the Political System Moe, T. M., Lewis, D. E. edited by Nelson, M. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press. 2009; 8th
  • Liberating Learning: Technology, Politics, and the Future of American Education Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 2009
  • Collective Bargaining and The Performance of the Public Schools AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Moe, T. M. 2009; 53 (1): 156-174
  • Beyond the Free Market: The Structure of School Choice Brigham Young University Law Review Moe, T. M. 2008; 2008 (1): 557-592
  • The New Economics of Organization A Selected Collection of Transaction Cost Politics Moe, T. M. edited by Ma, J., Xiao, B., Liu, Y. 2007
  • The Positive Theory of Public Bureaucracy Lectures on the State and Public Policies Moe, T. M. edited by Acuna, C. 2007
  • Putting Children First: The Problem of Teacher Power Journal of Educational Change Moe, T. M. 2007; 8 (1)
  • The Presidential Power of Unilateral Action Public Choice and Public Law Moe, T. M., Howell, W. edited by Farber, D. A. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar. 2007
  • The Institutional Foundations of Democratic Government: A Comparison of Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Economics of Administrative Law Moe, T. M., Caldwell, M. edited by Ackerman, S. R. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar. 2007
  • Political control and the power of the agent JOURNAL OF LAW ECONOMICS & ORGANIZATION Moe, T. M. 2006; 22 (1): 1-29
  • Union Power and the Education of Children Collective Bargaining in Education: Negotiating Change in Today’s Schools Moe, T. M. edited by Hannaway, J., Rotherham, A. Monograph by Hoover Press, Stanford, CA. 2006
  • A Union By Any Other Name Choice and Competition in American Education Moe, T. M. edited by Peterson, P. E. New York: Rowman and Littlefield. 2006
  • Thriving on Failure Stanford Magazine Moe, T. M. 2006
  • Union Power and the Education of Children Collective Bargaining in Education: Negotiating Change in Today’s Schools Moe, T. M. edited by Hannaway, J., Rotherham, A. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press. 2006
  • Power and Political Institutions Rethinking Political Institutions: The Art of the State Moe, T. M. edited by Shapiro, I., Skowronek, S., Galvin, D. New York: New York University Press. 2006
  • The Union Label on the Ballot Box Education Next Moe, T. M. 2006; 6 (3): 58-66
  • Power and Political Institutions Perspectives on Politics Moe, T. M. 2005; 3 (2): 215- 33
  • A High Quality Teacher in Every Classroom Within Our Reach Moe, T. M. edited by Chubb, J. E. New York?: Rowman and Littlefield. 2005
  • Teachers Unions and School Board Elections Beseiged: School Boards and the Future of Education Politics Moe, T. M. edited by Howell, W. G. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution. 2005
  • Presidential Power and the Power of Theory The Evolution of Political Knowledge: Theory and Inquiry in American Politics Moe, T. M. edited by Mansfield, E., Sisson, R. Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State University Press. 2004
  • Politics, Control, and the Future of School Accountability Leave No Child Behind? The Politics and Practices of School Accountability Moe, T. M. edited by Peterson, P. E., West, M. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution. 2003
  • The Politics of the Status Quo Our Schools and Our Future: Are We Still at Risk? Moe, T. M. edited by Peterson, P. E. Stanford, CA: Hoover Press. 2003
  • Beyond Zelman: An Essay on the Future of Vouchers The Future of School Choice Moe, T. M. edited by Peterson, P. E. Stanford, CA: Hoover Press. 2003
  • Reform Blockers Education Next Moe, T. M. 2003; 3 (2)
  • Cooking the Questions? Education Next Moe, T. M. 2002; 2 (1): 71-77
  • Cynicism and political theory CORNELL LAW REVIEW Moe, T. M. 2002; 87 (2): 362-374
  • The Structure of School Choice Choice with Equity Moe, T. M. edited by Hill, P. T. Stanford, CA: Hoover Press. 2002
  • Dodging the Questions Education Next Moe, T. M. 2002; 2 (3): 77-81
  • Recycling the garbage can: An assessment of the research program AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Bendor, J., Moe, T. M., Shotts, K. W. 2001; 95 (1): 169-190
  • Schools, Vouchers, and the American Public Moe, T. M. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution. 2001
  • The Future of School Choice An Education Agenda: Let Parents Choose Their Children’s School Moe, T. M. edited by Goodman, J. C., Steiger, F. F. 2001
  • Bureaucrats, Legislators, and the Size of Government The Economics of Politics Moe, T. M. edited by Mueller, D. C. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar. 2001
  • Teachers Unions and the Public Schools A Primer on America’s Schools Moe, T. M. edited by Moe, T. M. Stanford, CA: Hoover Press. 2001
  • Private Vouchers: Politics and Evidence School Choice or Best Systems: What Improves Education? Moe, T. M. edited by Wang, M. C., Walberg, H. J. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. 2001
  • A Primer on America’s Schools edited by Moe, T. M. Stanford, CA: Hoover Press. 2001
  • Hidden Demand Education Matters Moe, T. M. 2001; 1 (1): 48- 56
  • Going Private Charters, Vouchers, and Public Education Moe, T. M. edited by Peterson, P. E., Campbell, D. E. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution. 2001
  • A Union By Any Other Name Education Next Moe, T. M. 2001: 40–45
  • Pay Attention to the Framing of the Question Education Week Moe, T. M. 2000
  • Teachers Unions and the Prospects for Better Schools The Weekly Standard Moe, T. M. 2000
  • The Presidency and the Bureaucracy: The Presidential Advantage The Presidency and the Political System Moe, T. M. edited by Nelson, M. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press. 2000; 6th
  • The Two Democratic Purposes of Public Education Rediscovering the Democratic Purposes of Education Moe, T. M. edited by McDonnell, L. M., Timpane, P. M., Benjamin, R. Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas Press. 2000
  • The presidential power of unilateral action JOURNAL OF LAW ECONOMICS & ORGANIZATION Moe, T. M., HOWELL, W. G. 1999; 15 (1): 132-179
  • Unilateral Action and Presidential Power: A Theory Presidential Studies Quarterly Moe, T. M., Howell, W. 1999; 29 (4)
  • The Presidency and the Bureaucracy: The Presidential Advantage The Presidency and the Political System Moe, T. M. edited by Nelson, M. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press. 1998; 5th
  • An Assessment of the Positive Theory of 'Congressional Dominance' The Foundations of Regulatory Economics Moe, T. M. edited by Ekelund, R. B. Chiltenham, England: Edward Elgar. 1998
  • The Positive Theory of Public Bureaucracy La Nueva Economia Politica Moe, T. M. edited by Saiegh, S., Tommasi, M. 1998
  • Democracy and the challenge of education reform 1997 University-of-Arizona/FINOVA Forum on Critical Social and Technological Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Midsize Firms Moe, T. M. JAI PRESS INC. 1997: 9–46
  • Theory and the Future of Presidential Studies Presidential Research Newsletter Moe, T. M. 1997
  • The Positive Theory of Public Bureaucracy Handbook of Public Choice Moe, T. M. edited by Mueller, D. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. 1997
  • Politics, Markets, and Equality in Schools Reducing Poverty in America: Views and Approaches Moe, T. M. edited by Darby, M. R. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. 1997
  • Politics, Markets, and the Organization of Schools Education, Culture, Economy, and Society Moe, T. M. edited by Lauder, H., Brown, P., Wells, A. S. New York: Oxford University Press. 1997
  • Computer Models of Educational Institutions: The Case of Vouchers and Social Equity Journal of Educational Policy Moe, T. M., Shotts, K. 1996
  • Computer Models of Educational Institutions: The Case of Vouchers and Social Equity The Politics of Education and the New Institutionalism Moe, T. M., Shotts, K. edited by Boyd, W. L., Crowson, R. L., Mawhinney, H. B. London: Falmer Press. 1996
  • School Choice and the Creaming Problem Midwest Approaches to School Reform Moe, T. M. edited by Downs, T. A., Testa, W. A. 1995
  • Private Vouchers Private Vouchers Moe, T. M. edited by Moe, T. M. Stanford, CA: Hoover Press. 1995
  • Private Vouchers edited by Moe, T. M. Stanford, CA: Hoover Press. 1995
  • THE INSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT - A COMPARISON OF PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEMS 11th International Seminar on the New Institutional Economics Moe, T. M., Caldwell, M. J C B MOHR. 1994: 171–95
  • The Presidency and the Bureaucracy: The Presidential Advantage The Presidency and the Political System Moe, T. M. edited by Nelson, M. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press. 1994; 4th
  • School Choice: Will State-Supported Educational Alternatives Help or Hinder Private Schools? Journal of Research on Christian Education Moe, T. M. 1994; 3 (2)
  • Integrating Politics and Organization: Positive Theory and Public Administration Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory Moe, T. M. 1994
  • PRESIDENTS AND THE POLITICS OF STRUCTURE LAW AND CONTEMPORARY PROBLEMS Moe, T. M., Wilson, S. A. 1994; 57 (1-2): A1-A44
  • The British Battle for Choice Voices on Choice Moe, T. M. edited by Billingsley, K. L. 1993
  • The Forest and the Trees: A Response to Our Critics School Choice: What Role in American Education? Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. edited by Rosell, E., Rothstein, R. 1993
  • PRESIDENTS, INSTITUTIONS, AND THEORY CONF ON RESEARCHING THE PRESIDENCY : VITAL QUESTIONS, NEW APPROACHES Moe, T. M. UNIV PITTSBURGH PRESS. 1993: 337–385
  • An Assessment of the Positive Theory of 'Congressional Dominance' Public Choice Theory Moe, T. M. edited by Rowley, C. K. Hants, England: Edward Elgar. 1993
  • The Politics of Structural Choice: Toward a Theory of Public Bureaucracy Public Choice Theory Moe, T. M. edited by Rowley, C. K. Hants, England: Edward Elgar. 1993
  • Political Institutions: The Neglected Side of the Story Public Choice Theory Moe, T. M. edited by Rowley, C. K. Hant, England: Edward Elgar. 1993
  • Why Markets Are Good for Education Independent Schools, Independent Thinkers Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. edited by Kane, P. R. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 1992
  • Bureaucrats, Legislators, and the Size of Government The State and Its Critics Moe, T. M. edited by Levine, A. Hants, England: Edward Elgar. 1992
  • Bureaucracy and Subgovernments: A Simulation Model Artificial Intelligence in Organization and Management Theory Moe, T. M., Bendor, J. edited by Masuch, M., Warglieu, M. 1992
  • A Lesson in School Reform from Great Britain Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution. 1992
  • Give Choice a Chance Making Government Work Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. edited by Lezar, T. 1992
  • Private versus Public, Research versus Rhetoric Education Week Moe, T. M. 1992
  • POLITICAL POLLYANNAS TEACHERS COLLEGE RECORD Chubb, J. E., Moe, T. M. 1991; 93 (1): 161-165
  • POLITICS AND THE THEORY OF ORGANIZATION JOURNAL OF LAW ECONOMICS & ORGANIZATION Moe, T. M. 1991; 7: 106-129
  • Choice in Education: Incentives for Reform The Senior Economist Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. 1991; 7: 3-5
  • The Politicized Presidency The Managerial Presidency Moe, T. M. edited by Pfiffner, J. P. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks-Cole. 1991
  • Give Choice a Chance Liberating Schools: Education in the Inner City Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. edited by Boaz, D. 1991
  • SHOULD MARKET FORCES CONTROL EDUCATIONAL DECISION-MAKING AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Tweedie, J., RILEY, D. D., Chubb, J. E., Moe, T. M. 1990; 84 (2): 549-567
  • Letting Schools Work NY: The City Journal Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. 1990; 1 (1): 41-53
  • America's Public Schools: Choice Is a Panacea The Brookings Review Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. 1990: 1-8
  • Politics, Markets, and America's Schools Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution. 1990
  • THE POLITICS OF STRUCTURAL CHOICE - TOWARD A THEORY OF PUBLIC BUREAUCRACY SEMINAR ON ORGANIZATION THEORY : FROM CHESTER BARNARD TO THE PRESENT AND BEYOND Moe, T. M. OXFORD UNIV PRESS. 1990: 116–153
  • POLITICAL-INSTITUTIONS - THE NEGLECTED SIDE OF THE STORY JOURNAL OF LAW ECONOMICS & ORGANIZATION Moe, T. M. 1990; 6: 213-253
  • An Open Market Proposal for America's Schools The Washington Post Education Review Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. 1990: 19-20
  • The Politics of Bureaucratic Structure Can the Government Govern? Moe, T. M. edited by Chubb, J. E., Peterson, P. E. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution. 1989: 267–329
  • Give Choice a Chance Florida Policy Review Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. 1989; 5 (4): 17-24
  • The New Economics of Organization Problemi Di Amministrazione Pubblica Moe, T. M. 1989
  • Effective Schools and Equal Opportunity Public Values, Private Schools Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. edited by Devins, N. London: The Falmer Press. 1989
  • POLITICS, MARKETS, AND THE ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOLS AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Chubb, J. E., Moe, T. M. 1988; 82 (4): 1065-1087
  • Public, Private, and Effective Schools: An Organizational Perspective Private Schools and Public Concerns Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. edited by Bauch, P. Greenwood Press. 1988
  • AN ASSESSMENT OF THE POSITIVE THEORY OF CONGRESSIONAL DOMINANCE LEGISLATIVE STUDIES QUARTERLY Moe, T. M. 1987; 12 (4): 475-520
  • Interests, Institutions, and Positive Theory: The Politics of the NLRB Studies in American Political Development Moe, T. M. 1987; 2: 236-299
  • AGENDA CONTROL, COMMITTEE CAPTURE, AND THE DYNAMICS OF INSTITUTIONAL POLITICS AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Bendor, J., Moe, T. M. 1986; 80 (4): 1187-1207
  • No School Is an Island The Brookings Review Moe, T. M., Chubb, J. E. 1986; 4: 21-28
  • CONTROL AND FEEDBACK IN ECONOMIC-REGULATION - THE CASE OF THE NLRB AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Moe, T. M. 1985; 79 (4): 1094-1116
  • AN ADAPTIVE MODEL OF BUREAUCRATIC POLITICS AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Bendor, J., Moe, T. M. 1985; 79 (3): 755-774
  • The Positive Theory of Hierarchies Political Science: The Science of Politics Moe, T. M., Miller, G. J. edited by Weisberg, H. F. Agathon Press. 1985
  • The Politicized Presidency The New Direction in American Politics Moe, T. M. edited by Chubb, J. E., Peterson, P. E. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution. 1985
  • THE NEW ECONOMICS OF ORGANIZATION AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Moe, T. M. 1984; 28 (4): 739-777
  • BUREAUCRATS, LEGISLATORS, AND THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW Miller, G. J., Moe, T. M. 1983; 77 (2): 297-322
  • REGULATORY PERFORMANCE AND PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Moe, T. M. 1982; 26 (2): 197-224
  • TOWARD A BROADER VIEW OF INTEREST-GROUPS JOURNAL OF POLITICS Moe, T. M. 1981; 43 (2): 531-543
  • A CALCULUS OF GROUP MEMBERSHIP AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Moe, T. M. 1980; 24 (4): 593-632
  • The Organization of Interests Moe, T. M. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 1980
  • SCIENTIFIC STATUS OF RATIONAL MODELS AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Moe, T. M. 1979; 23 (1): 215-243