Public Administration & Governance Flashcards

In a strong-mayor form of government, which characteristic distinguishes it from the council-manager form?

Answer: The mayor has executive authority and can veto council legislation

In a strong-mayor system, the mayor exercises executive authority including veto power, unlike the council-manager model where a professional manager leads administration.

The Dillon's Rule doctrine in local government law holds that:

Answer: Local governments possess only the powers expressly granted by state law

Dillon's Rule limits local government authority to powers explicitly granted, fairly implied, or essential to stated purposes under state law.

A city manager is asked by a council member to speak with a reporter on behalf of the council member's re-election campaign. The manager should:

Answer: Decline, as participating in partisan political activities violates professional ethics

The ICMA Code of Ethics prohibits professional managers from engaging in partisan political activities that compromise their political neutrality.

Which intergovernmental relations model describes the federal government setting broad goals while states and localities have flexibility in how to achieve them?

Answer: Cooperative federalism

Cooperative federalism involves collaboration among federal, state, and local governments where federal goals are pursued with state and local implementation flexibility.

When a local government enters into an interlocal agreement, the primary purpose is to:

Answer: Share services or resources between local governments to improve efficiency

Interlocal agreements allow municipalities to share services, pool resources, or jointly deliver programs to achieve cost savings and service improvements.

Administrative due process in local government requires that before imposing significant penalties on individuals, agencies must typically provide:

Answer: Notice of the action and an opportunity to be heard

Constitutional due process requires meaningful notice and an opportunity to respond before government deprives individuals of property or liberty interests.

Which governance concept describes the shift from government as the sole service provider to government as one actor among many in delivering public services?

Answer: Governance Networks

Governance networks describe collaborative arrangements where government, nonprofits, and private entities jointly provide public services.