MPA Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration

Question 1

Which concept describes the obligation of government officials to answer for their actions and decisions to the public and to oversight institutions?

Accepted Answer

Accountability

Answer

Accountability requires public officials to explain and justify their decisions to the public, legislatures, courts, and other oversight bodies, and to face consequences for misconduct.

Question 2

What is a 'conflict of interest' in public service?

Accepted Answer

A situation where a public official's personal interests could improperly influence their official decision-making

Answer

A conflict of interest arises when a government official has personal financial, professional, or relational interests that could compromise — or appear to compromise — their impartial judgment in official decisions.

Question 3

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Give the public the right to request access to federal agency records

Answer

FOIA (1966) establishes a presumption of government openness, giving any person the right to request records from federal agencies, with specific exemptions for national security, privacy, and other limited categories.

Question 4

Which theory holds that public administrators have a duty to go beyond merely following orders and exercise independent moral judgment on behalf of the public interest?

Accepted Answer

Subjective (personal) responsibility

Answer

Subjective (personal) responsibility, emphasized by Carl Friedrich, holds that administrators must rely on their own professional values and ethical judgment, not just obedience to authority, in serving the public interest.

Question 5

What does the Whistleblower Protection Act protect federal employees from?

Accepted Answer

Retaliation for disclosing information about government waste, fraud, or abuse of authority

Answer

The Whistleblower Protection Act (1989) protects federal employees who disclose evidence of illegal activity, gross waste, mismanagement, or abuse of authority from retaliatory personnel actions.

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration