Public Administration Flashcards

(58 cards)

1
Q

What is a need within a society?

A

A fundamental requirement that individuals or groups must fulfill to maintain well-being and stability.

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2
Q

What are the categories of needs in a society?

A
  • Basic Needs
  • Safety Needs
  • Educational Needs
  • Economic Needs
  • Social Needs
  • Environmental Needs
  • Political Needs
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3
Q

How does public administration relate to societal needs?

A

It addresses needs by implementing policies and services for stability and development.

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4
Q

What is the difference between a ‘country’ and a ‘state’?

A

‘Country’ refers to a geographic territory, while ‘state’ is an organized political community with governance.

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5
Q

Define ‘citizens’.

A

Individuals who hold legal membership in a state, granting them rights and responsibilities.

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6
Q

Define ‘public’.

A

A loose collection of individuals sharing common spaces, interests, or concerns.

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7
Q

Define ‘community’.

A

A structured group of individuals sharing common interests, values, or geographic locations.

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8
Q

Define ‘society’.

A

The sum of human conditions and activities, encompassing all organized relationships among individuals and groups.

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9
Q

What is the relationship between citizens and the public?

A

Citizens have legal membership in a state; the public may include non-citizens.

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10
Q

How does diversity within a society affect its needs?

A

Diverse societies display varied needs due to differences in cultural background, socio-economic status, and regional differences.

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11
Q

What is public administration?

A

The process by which the state manages resources and implements policies to meet societal needs.

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12
Q

What are the foundational objectives of a state?

A
  • Establishing order
  • Creating conditions for fulfilling life
  • Providing structure and resolving conflicts
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13
Q

What are the characteristics of a state?

A
  • Territory
  • Population
  • Government
  • Sovereignty
  • Legal Order and Compulsory Organization
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14
Q

What is the purpose of public administration?

A

To fulfill the foundational objectives of the state by implementing policies and delivering public services.

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15
Q

What are protective services?

A

Services designed to keep individuals and communities safe from internal and external threats.

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16
Q

Examples of protective services include:

A
  • Law Enforcement
  • Judicial Services
  • Correctional Services
  • Defense Services
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17
Q

What are wealth-creating services?

A

Services aimed at fostering economic development and providing infrastructure for production and commerce.

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18
Q

Examples of wealth-creating services include:

A
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Economic Regulation
  • Agricultural and Industrial Support
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19
Q

What are public health, welfare, and housing services?

A

Services that address fundamental needs for a decent quality of life.

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20
Q

Examples of public health, welfare, and housing services include:

A
  • Healthcare
  • Social Welfare Programs
  • Housing Development
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21
Q

What are cultural and educational services?

A

Services that promote intellectual, moral, and cultural development in society.

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22
Q

Examples of cultural and educational services include:

A
  • Educational Institutions
  • Cultural Institutions
  • Recreational and Community Services
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23
Q

What are environmental conservation services?

A

Services focused on protecting and preserving the natural environment.

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24
Q

Examples of environmental conservation services include:

A
  • Pollution Control
  • Conservation Programs
  • Environmental Regulation
25
What distinguishes 'government as the authorities that make and enforce laws' from 'the government of the day'?
'Government as authorities' refers to permanent institutions; 'government of the day' refers to the current ruling political administration.
26
What is the form of government in South Africa?
A multi-level system with both federal and unitary characteristics.
27
What are the different spheres of government in South Africa?
* National Sphere * Provincial Sphere * Local Sphere
28
What does the term 'government' refer to?
The organized system of agencies, institutions, and individuals responsible for governing a state.
29
Define public administration.
The process and practice by which government policies are implemented and public services delivered.
30
What does the term 'government' refer to?
The organized system of agencies, institutions, and individuals responsible for governing a state ## Footnote Includes law-making, law-enforcement, and judicial oversight.
31
Define Public Administration.
The process and practice by which government policies are implemented and public services are delivered to society ## Footnote Involves planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, controlling, and evaluating.
32
What is the difference between 'public administration' and 'Public Administration'?
'public administration': Actual processes and practices of managing public affairs. 'Public Administration': The academic field studying government operations ## Footnote Encompasses research, theory, and methodologies.
33
Why are public services necessary?
Individuals depend on society for necessities such as healthcare, security, education, and social participation ## Footnote Success and well-being depend on relationships and community.
34
What is one argument in favor of the authorities' role in promoting the 'good life'?
Provision of essential public services ## Footnote Ensures accessibility to education, healthcare, housing, and public safety.
35
What is one argument against the authorities' role in promoting the 'good life'?
Risks of paternalism and over-dependence ## Footnote Overreliance on government can undermine individual initiative.
36
How is 'development' linked to the 'good life'?
Development is about expanding capabilities and access to essential services for a fulfilling life ## Footnote True development includes improvements in education, healthcare, and overall social welfare.
37
What are the classes of societal needs in South Africa?
Classes include: * Basic or Physiological Needs * Safety and Security Needs * Social and Community Needs * Economic or Developmental Needs * Environmental Needs ## Footnote Each class addresses different aspects of well-being.
38
What are the classes of government functions in South Africa?
Classes include: * Protective Services * Wealth-Creating Services * Public Health, Welfare, and Housing Services * Cultural and Educational Services * Environmental Conservation Services ## Footnote Each function addresses different societal needs.
39
Why is the government primarily responsible for certain services?
Due to legal authority, monopolistic force, and public good characteristics ## Footnote Government is constitutionally obliged to ensure public safety and order.
40
When might the private sector be responsible for certain services?
When efficiency and innovation are required, and market-driven responsiveness is needed ## Footnote Private sector often better positioned to meet societal demands in competitive markets.
41
Under what circumstances might the government assume responsibility for services also provided by the private sector?
In cases of market failure, public interest, social equity, or national priorities ## Footnote Ensures essential services are provided equitably.
42
What is the connection between public services, societal needs, and a country's story?
Public administration improves well-being by adapting services to societal needs over time ## Footnote The evolution of public services can be viewed as a narrative shaped by historical and socio-economic contexts.
43
List different types of public services provided in a country.
Types include: * Protective Services * Wealth-Creating Services * Public Health, Welfare, and Housing Services * Cultural and Educational Services * Environmental Conservation Services ## Footnote Each type addresses specific societal needs.
44
What factors determine which public services will be provided?
Factors include: * Societal Needs * Government Resources and Capacity * Political and Ideological Considerations ## Footnote These factors influence service prioritization and delivery.
45
What are some key factors that determine the provision of public services?
Societal Needs, Government Resources and Capacity, Political and Ideological Factors, Economic Development and Market Conditions, Historical and Cultural Context ## Footnote These factors shape how services are prioritized and delivered in public administration.
46
What does 'Societal Needs' refer to in the context of public services?
Specific imbalances or deficiencies within a society, such as high crime rates, poor health, or insufficient housing ## Footnote These needs dictate which public services are most urgently required.
47
How do Government Resources and Capacity influence public service provision?
They affect the availability of financial, human, and technological resources, as well as the efficiency of administrative structures ## Footnote These elements are crucial for prioritizing and delivering services.
48
What role do Political and Ideological Factors play in public services?
They influence whether services are predominantly state-run or open to private provision based on prevailing political ideology and policy goals ## Footnote Governance models also play a significant role in this context.
49
Fill in the blank: The level of _______ and market conditions can determine where the private sector may fill gaps in public services.
[economic development] ## Footnote This can be seen in innovation-driven industries versus areas requiring government intervention.
50
What is the significance of Historical and Cultural Context in public services?
It shapes the perception and structure of public services based on the legacy of past policies and cultural values ## Footnote Social expectations also influence how services are delivered.
51
Who can be the source or narrator of stories in public administration?
Government officials, public servants, experts, or journalists ## Footnote The narrator's background can significantly influence the narrative.
52
How does the background of a narrator influence the information presented?
It affects the tone and portrayal of events, potentially highlighting positive outcomes or downplaying challenges ## Footnote A more detached source may provide a balanced view.
53
What is the purpose of storytelling in public administration?
To translate complex data into engaging, understandable narratives ## Footnote This method aids in arranging and explaining project data effectively.
54
What are the key components of a narrative in public administration storytelling?
Beginning (identifying needs), Middle (implementation and intervention), End (results and lessons learned) ## Footnote This structure helps make information more accessible.
55
True or False: Storytelling can only illustrate successes in public administration.
False ## Footnote Stories can highlight both successes and failures, providing a complete view of public service impacts.
56
How can storytelling facilitate critique and learning in public administration?
By comparing multiple narratives, stakeholders can critically assess successes and areas needing improvement ## Footnote This encourages deeper analysis of public service outcomes.
57
What is the conclusion regarding the nature of public services?
It is directly shaped by the societal needs they intend to address ## Footnote The evolution of public services can be narrated as a story reflecting government actions over time.
58
How does storytelling aid in communicating public projects?
It provides a holistic view of how public policies serve the 'good life' for citizens ## Footnote This integrated approach enhances understanding and evaluation of public projects.