Common Sense Government: Works Better and Costs Less - Third Report

In this review of Common Sense Government: Works Better and Costs Less, the third report of the National Performance Review, the bottom line is clear: this book is for readers seeking a practical account of government reinvention and measurable reform. It documents the transition from red tape to results and presents more than 300 new recommendations, making it valuable to policy students, public administrators, and engaged citizens who want a grounded view of administrative change. The report focuses on how government should work rather than what it should do, and this edition reproduces the text of that third report for careful study.

Key Features

• Historic change focus: The book details the National Performance Review's effort to shift government operations toward efficiency and measurable outcomes, which helps readers understand the scope of reform.
• Third report content: This edition reproduces the third report released on September 7, 1995, providing direct access to the original recommendations and findings for reference.
• Practical recommendations: More than 300 new recommendations are presented, giving readers concrete proposals aimed at reducing cost and improving service delivery.
• Process over policy: Emphasis is placed on how government should work, making it useful for administrators looking to redesign processes rather than debate ideological goals.
• Impact narrative: The report describes the effect of reinvention on the American people and government, offering real-world context for the recommendations.

Who It's For

This book is best for students of public policy, government professionals, and historians of modern administration who want a primary-source account of the National Performance Review's third-stage findings. Its focus on operational reform and specific recommendations suits readers who need a detailed, procedural perspective rather than a theoretical treatise.

Readers seeking a brief overview or a critique of policy goals may want a secondary analysis or commentary instead, since this edition reproduces the report text and concentrates on administrative change rather than broader political debate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Primary-source reproduction of the third National Performance Review report provides authentic material for research and citation.
• Includes over 300 concrete recommendations, useful for practitioners looking for actionable ideas.
• Clear emphasis on improving government operations helps readers focus on process and results.

Cons

• The report concentrates on how government should work and offers limited discussion of what government should do, so readers seeking policy debate will find it narrow.

Specifications

Title	Common Sense Government: Works Better and Costs Less
Report	Third report of the National Performance Review
Release date	September 7, 1995 (third report release)
Primary focus	Moving from red tape to results; government reinvention
Content highlights	More than 300 new recommendations; impact on American people and government
Perspective	How government should work (process and operations)

Our Verdict

Common Sense Government: Works Better and Costs Less is a worthwhile primary-source volume for anyone studying government reform or implementing administrative change. Its extensive recommendations and focus on measurable results make it good value for practitioners and scholars who need the original report text and practical ideas for improving government efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this edition?
This edition reproduces the third report of the National Performance Review, released on September 7, 1995.

Who authored the report?
The report is presented by the National Performance Review under Vice President Al Gore's leadership.

Does it include actionable recommendations?
Yes, the book presents more than 300 new recommendations focused on improving government operations and reducing costs.