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Questions and Answers
What is the definition of public administration?
What is the definition of public administration?
The provision of public services and enforcement of government regulations.
Which of the following is an example of the provision of public services in the federal government?
Which of the following is an example of the provision of public services in the federal government?
Which of the following is an example of the enforcement of government regulations?
Which of the following is an example of the enforcement of government regulations?
In terms of public administration, what is public policy?
In terms of public administration, what is public policy?
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What makes up the public administration machinery?
What makes up the public administration machinery?
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What is the defining characteristic of the public bureaucracy?
What is the defining characteristic of the public bureaucracy?
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What is the main structure of the hierarchy in the public bureaucracy?
What is the main structure of the hierarchy in the public bureaucracy?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of public administration?
Which of the following is a characteristic of public administration?
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What is the system of internal accountability?
What is the system of internal accountability?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of private bureaucracy?
Which of the following is a characteristic of private bureaucracy?
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Which of the following is an influence on public administration?
Which of the following is an influence on public administration?
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Which of Max Weber's main points on public administration is characterized by the idea that individuals are treated based on their qualifications rather than personal connections?
Which of Max Weber's main points on public administration is characterized by the idea that individuals are treated based on their qualifications rather than personal connections?
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Which of Woodrow Wilson's main points on Public administration focused on the need for a clear separation between political decision-making and the implementation of those decisions?
Which of Woodrow Wilson's main points on Public administration focused on the need for a clear separation between political decision-making and the implementation of those decisions?
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Woodrow Wilson believed that public administration should be guided by patronage.
Woodrow Wilson believed that public administration should be guided by patronage.
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Max Weber's concept of 'Impersonal Process' in public administration suggests that decisions should be made based on personal relationships.
Max Weber's concept of 'Impersonal Process' in public administration suggests that decisions should be made based on personal relationships.
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Woodrow Wilson believed that in the past, government was less complex than it is now.
Woodrow Wilson believed that in the past, government was less complex than it is now.
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Study Notes
Public Administration Overview
- Public administration involves providing public services and enforcing government regulations.
- Examples of federal services include ServiceOntario, driver's licenses, and Service Canada.
- Enforcement examples include food regulations, rights and freedoms, and employment laws.
- Public policy is the outcome of governmental decisions.
- The public administration machinery comprises public servants, public bureaucracy, and public policy.
Public Bureaucracy Characteristics
- The defining characteristic of public bureaucracy is its hierarchical structure.
- The hierarchy typically features few elected officials at the top, senior public servants in the middle, and a large number of public servants at the bottom.
- Public administration's mission is to serve the public interest.
- Meeting multiple goals simultaneously can hinder efficiency.
- Decision-making processes tend to be slow.
- Accountability is both internal and external.
Accountability Systems
- Internal accountability systems include ethics review boards.
- External accountability is tied to the public interest.
Private Bureaucracy Compared
- Private bureaucracies prioritize profit maximization and shareholder interests.
- They strive for optimization and efficiency.
Influences on Public Administration
- Globalization is a significant influence.
- Public perception of the government, political culture, and fiscal imperatives (budget constraints) also influence public administration.
- The size of the public service is another factor.
Key Theorists: Weber and Wilson
- Max Weber's theories emphasized organizational hierarchy, specialized work, impersonal processes, standardized employment (merit, salaries, careers), and job security in public administration.
- Woodrow Wilson advocated for a clear separation of politics and administration (politics-administration dichotomy), emphasizing that administration is government in action. He highlighted the growing complexity of governing and the need for expertise within the public service.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of public administration, including its structure, services, and the characteristics of public bureaucracy. This quiz will cover key topics such as federal services, enforcement of regulations, and public policy outcomes.