Public Administration & Governance Flashcards

A newly elected council majority votes to reorganize all city departments. The city manager's appropriate role is to:

Answer: Implement the reorganization while advising the council on operational implications

The manager serves the council's policy direction and must implement their decisions while providing professional advice on operational and administrative consequences.

The concept of 'representative bureaucracy' in public administration argues that government agencies function more effectively when:

Answer: The workforce demographics reflect the diversity of the community served

Representative bureaucracy theory holds that a workforce reflecting community diversity improves responsiveness and legitimacy in public service delivery.

Which document typically outlines the specific powers, duties, and organizational structure of each city department?

Answer: Municipal code or administrative code

A municipal administrative or city code typically contains departmental ordinances specifying authorities, duties, and organizational structure.

Home rule authority in states that grant it primarily allows municipalities to:

Answer: Enact local ordinances on matters of local concern without specific state authorization

Home rule grants municipalities broad self-governance authority on local matters without needing express state legislative authorization for each action.

When applying New Public Management (NPM) principles, a city manager would most likely:

Answer: Use performance metrics and market-based mechanisms to improve service efficiency

NPM emphasizes performance measurement, competition, and private-sector management techniques to make government more efficient and results-oriented.

A city manager who practices 'proactive management' regarding a looming budget shortfall would most appropriately:

Answer: Anticipate the shortfall, analyze options, and present solutions to the council before a crisis

Proactive management means anticipating problems and bringing well-developed solutions to policymakers before issues become crises.

Which term describes a formal grant of authority from a higher level of government to a lower level to perform a specific governmental function?

Answer: Delegation

Delegation transfers authority to perform specific functions to a lower governmental entity, while retaining overall oversight at the higher level.