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

Congress passing laws that expand agency authority

Answer

The president's power to reorganize executive agencies

Answer

The judicial review of agency rulemaking procedures

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

Complete all rulemaking within a fixed 90-day period

Answer

Publish all internal communications on their public websites

Answer

Seek legislative approval before denying any individual benefit

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

To replace legal regulations with voluntary guidelines

Answer

To protect agencies from legal liability

Answer

To establish performance benchmarks for annual reviews

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

Legislative veto

Answer

Executive order

Answer

Regulatory negotiation

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

The ability of agencies to respond quickly to emergencies

Answer

A requirement that agencies respond to all public inquiries within 30 days

Answer

Competency-based hiring that prioritizes responsiveness to citizen needs

Question 6

Which principle of public administration ethics holds that administrators should treat similar cases in the same way, free from personal bias or favoritism?

Accepted Answer

Impartiality (neutrality)

Answer

Transparency

Answer

Responsiveness

Answer

Stewardship