MPA Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration 3

Question 1

What is 'legislative oversight' of administrative agencies in the U.S. system?

Accepted Answer

The ongoing review and monitoring by Congress of executive branch agencies' implementation of laws and spending of appropriated funds

Answer

Legislative oversight refers to Congress's constitutional role in reviewing, monitoring, and supervising executive branch agencies to ensure they faithfully implement enacted laws and spend funds as intended.

Question 2

The concept of 'due process' in public administration requires that agencies:

Accepted Answer

Follow fair procedures — including notice, opportunity to be heard, and impartial decision-making — before taking actions that deprive individuals of rights or benefits

Answer

Due process, grounded in the 5th and 14th Amendments, requires fair procedures (notice, hearing, neutrality) before government actions that deprive individuals of life, liberty, or property interests.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of 'codes of ethics' in public agencies?

Accepted Answer

To articulate shared values and behavioral standards that guide employee conduct and build public trust

Answer

Codes of ethics in public organizations articulate the values, principles, and behavioral expectations that define professional conduct, helping employees navigate ethical dilemmas and reinforcing public trust.

Question 4

Which accountability mechanism provides judicial oversight of agency actions by allowing courts to review whether agencies acted within their authority and followed required procedures?

Accepted Answer

Judicial review

Answer

Judicial review allows federal courts to evaluate whether agency actions are within statutory authority, constitutional, and procedurally correct, with the APA providing the primary framework for such review.

Question 5

What does 'responsive competence' mean in the context of political-administrative relations?

Accepted Answer

The expectation that career administrators serve elected officials and their political priorities while maintaining professional and ethical standards

Answer

Responsive competence describes the balance career civil servants must strike between being responsive to legitimate political direction from elected officials and maintaining the professional, ethical standards of public administration.

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration 3