Q1. What are the key differences between the root and the branch methods of decision-making? Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each method. As a leader which of these methods would you prefer to use and why?
Q2. Define the concept of public budgeting and state why budgets and the budget process is considered political rather than technical. Who are the major actors in the United States federal budget process and what roles f=do they perform?
Q3. How does Heclo conceptualize the current relationship between politics and administration? What are the basic elements of his "Issue Networks," idea and how does the idea differ from the idea of iron triangle notion of political-administrative relations?
Q4. What do we understand by the concept of bureaucracy and what are some of its major characteristics? How do bureaucracies respond to public interests in a democratic system of government such as the United States?
Q5. The ethical behavior of public officials is one of the cornerstones of public administration training. With the help of your readings in Chapter 16 of the text by Stillman, what are some of the major aspects that you would emphasize in the training of prospective public administration officials? What major theorists have influenced the choices you have made and Why?