Fundamental Of Public Administration PPA 101 Nancy Ge 352476

Fundamental Of Public Administration Ppa 101nancy Genova Mpainstructo

Fundamental of Public Administration PPA 101 NANCY GENOVA, MPA INSTRUCTOR/ CHAPTER 2 (P.35-75) Learning Objectives Chapter 2 Understanding the organization and function of the branches of the federal government Understanding the organization and function of the other levels of government Understanding the policy process Exploring the controls exerted by the legislative branch on administrators Exploring the controls exerted by the judicial branch on administrators Administrative Organizations The Executive Office of the President Cabinet-Level Executive Departments Independent Agencies, Regulatory Commissions, and Public Corporations Agencies Supporting the Legislature and the Judiciary The State Level Its own constitution Its own assets Numerous departments and commissions The Local Level Cities Counties Native American Tribes Special Purpose Governments Nonprofit Organizations and Associations RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LEGISLATIVE BODY The Policy Process Exploring Concepts: STAGES IN THE POLICY PROCESS Agenda Setting Policy Formulation Policy Legitimation Policy Implementation Policy Evaluation and Change Political Context of PA Public administrators need awareness of how all the government systems work in an effort to become more effective in regards to what they do Attention to how leadership works in our political settings is essential to understanding how to get things done as a public administrator Public Administrators Public administrators are responsible for implementing public policy Proposals are written and submitted the process includes…. Organizations develop policies to guide their activities Public agencies work together with executive, the legislature and the judiciary to seek important policy goals Federal Government 3 Branches Executive Legislature Judiciary ‘Founding Father’s’ had fears of concentrated power that’s why they divided the power Administrative Organizations & Executive Leadership Executive Office of the President- Office of Management & Budget, National Security Council, Council of Economic Advisers Cabinet level executive departments- Department of Defense, Health & Human Services, Treasury, Agriculture, Housing & Urban Development, Education, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security (2002,) Ambassador to United Nations Independent Agencies, Regulatory Commissions, and Public Corporations Jurisdiction & Federalism Jurisdiction- territorial range of government authority is sometimes used as a synonym for city or town Federalism- a system of government in which powers are divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments. Relationship Among 3 Levels of the Government Federal State Local Cooperation vs. conflict Who has policy making authority? The Capacity of States & Localities In the 1950’s & 60’s policy reflected the interest of the elite 1980’s state government transformed from weak links to progressive political units 1990’s brought about local governments being ‘proactive rather than reactive’ How States & Localities Increased Their Capacities Two-party competition Lobbying presence More effective, capable & professional leaders Unified court system, hiring of court administrators, and creation of additional layers of court Improved Revenue System Taxing legalized gambling, alcohol, tobacco Providing property-tax relief to residents Increasing local sales tax NYC sales replicas of street signs Expanding the Scope of State Operations States are now policy innovators; i.e. family leave act, Amber alert then the federal government followed suit Before the federal government reformed welfare several states had established workfare program and imposed time limits on the receipt of welfare benefits Leaders & Followers Here are some examples of states adopting policy and then the federal government following; stopping telephone solicitation, self extinguishing cigarettes, privatizing the running the schools ‘charter’, use of social media to inform and share Inter-jurisdictional Cooperation Joint problem solving; aide one another when natural disasters happen, 42 states banned together in a lawsuit to recover the Medicaid cost of treating tobacco related diseases against tobacco companies Anti-trust lawsuit against Microsoft (1998) the firm illegally stifled competition, harmed consumers, undercut competition Increased National-State Conflict One states interest negatively affects another state; i.e.

Very common inter-jurisdictional conflict in areas of natural resources and economic development; i.e. one state's water supply, moving business to another state Political Corruption Corruption can undermine public trust Data indicates that political corruption are associated with declines in job growth because corruption creates uncertainty and inflates costs Transparency more openness and more rules How is Local Government Organized Local government is organized in 3 ways 47% of municipalities use mayor-council form (council or mayor are elected). Strong mayor systems are used in most large and industrial cities, sometimes the Deputy Mayor has the role of administrator (internal management) Council -manager- (52% municipalities employ this model) council makes policy, appropriation, primary executive responsibilities lies with the city manager (populations of 25-250,000) Counties- (small to huge populations,) provide services on behalf of state government; public works, mental health, police. Elected officials such as a sheriff, auditor, treasurer. A chief executive and holds power similar to that of a governor Native American Tribes Native Americans have inherent rights to possess and use their land and sovereignty over running their own affairs/ American government acts as a guardian (Supreme Court Justice Marshall, known as the Marshall Trilogy ) There are more than 500 recognized tribes in the United States Special Purpose Governments School districts Economic development (public non-profit) Nonprofit organizations & associations- can have a profit but can only be used for purposes of the organization it cannot be distributed to shareholders or members (faith-based organizations, healthcare, unions, colleges, youth activities/ Boy Scouts) 1.5 million organizations nationwide. Provide services for public benefit or to some segment of the public. They are tax exempt and must be governed by a board of trustees Policy Process Agenda setting- problems needing action Policy formulation- development of formal policy statement Policy legitimation- giving legal force to decision justifying policy action (political as once a policy is in place how to roll out???) Policy implementation- activities directed toward putting a program Policy evaluation and change- assessment as to whether policies are working well (cost, programs worth) Types of Policy Regulatory- i.e.; criminal justice laws, business practice laws, access to certain goods clean water and air…. Distributive- (most common form of government policy) tax revenues provide benefits to individuals or groups (grants, subsidies) military, parks…. Redistributive- takes taxes from one group and gives them to others (Medicare, Medicaid Constituent- intended to benefit the public or serve the government, i.e; foreign defense policies Sources of Bureaucratic Power Government agencies have influence in government because they have specific expertise in their area so they can provide guidance in design and implementation Many times the legislation is vague so the government is reliant on the expertise of a particular agency Support can come to agency from members of the legislature that champion the agency’s cause You can get support from the executive branch Lobbying strategies Commitment by its members Legislative Supervision: Structural Controls Legislative Veto- Statutory provision that gives Congress the authority to approve or disapprove certain executive actions. Sunset Laws- Provision that sets a specific termination date for a program. Sunshine Laws- Provision that requires agencies to conduct business in public view. Agency Conduct * Legislative Supervision: Structural Controls Judicial review; courts may review administrative actions through this process. They can set aside actions deemed unconstitutional that extend beyond the limits of statutory authority, that are arbitrary, capricious or abuse discretion that are procedurally unfair or without substantive justification Courts have ruled in cases involving the managing of prisons, Legislative Supervision: Oversight Legislative Supervision: Casework Students analyze the power of the governor in your state, giving special attention to the governor’s power to exercise executive leadership over the agencies of state government. The analysis should be based on the formal and informal powers of officeholders discussed in Chapter 2. How do the governor’s executive powers compare to those of the president of the United States? How do they compare to those of the local mayor? RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE JUDICIARY Quasi-legislative Action Quasi-judicial Action Agency Discretion Judicial Review Concerns for Due Process PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION in History: THE SPOTTED OWL AND AGENCY INTERPRETATION OF THE LAW The Courts and Agency Administration Group Discussion Let’s choose a current event or topic and walk students through the process of how a policy might be developed to address this topic. Base your discussion on the stages of the policy process outlined in this chapter. Summary Now you’re realizing that public administrators require vast knowledge of how policies, local government, and executive branch work and affect day to day operations of public agencies Resources The following are links to websites that can provide information about the executive branch of the federal government and of state and local governments: The White House: ( ). The federal executive branch: ( ). Executive orders: ( ). State, local, and tribal governments: ( ). The following are links to websites that can provide information about nonprofit organizations: Alliance for Nonprofit Management: ( ). The following are links to sources about policy making and legislative and judiciary controls: The United States Congress: ( ). The United States Senate: ( ). The Urban Institute: ( ).

Paper For Above instruction

Public administration fundamentally revolves around understanding the intricate structures, functions, and interrelations of various government levels and branches. Chapter 2 of Nancy Genova’s “Fundamental of Public Administration” provides a comprehensive overview of the organizational frameworks, policy processes, and controls that shape public administration in the United States. This discussion synthesizes the pertinent elements outlined, emphasizing the organization of federal, state, and local governments, their interaction, the policy process, and the mechanisms of control and oversight governing administrative agencies.

Structure of Government: Federal, State, and Local

The United States operates under a federal system, characterized by a division of powers between the national government and regional (state and local) entities. The federal government comprises three branches: the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. The Executive Office of the President coordinates presidential activities, while cabinet-level departments such as Defense, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services execute policy directives (Kettl & Fessenden, 2019). Independent agencies and regulatory commissions function alongside these, providing specialized expertise and regulatory oversight.

At the state level, governments have constitutional authority, with their own assets, departments, and agencies. They serve as policy innovators, implementing laws like family leave acts and Amber Alerts before federal adoption. States have agencies responsible for health, transportation, and education, often working collaboratively or in conflict with other states. The local government structure varies, with municipalities primarily organized under mayor-council or council-manager systems, and counties providing essential services such as law enforcement, public works, and mental health services (Rabin, 2021). Native American tribes, recognized as sovereign entities, manage their lands and affairs independently, adding complexity to jurisdictional considerations.

The Policy Process: Stages and Political Context

The policymaking process comprises several interconnected stages: agenda setting, policy formulation, legitimation, implementation, evaluation, and modification. Public administrators need a thorough understanding of these stages to effectively influence policy outcomes (Snyder & Sickman, 2017). Moreover, the political context — including the roles of legislative and executive branches — significantly affects policymaking. The legislative branch’s controls include statutory provisions such as legislative vetoes, sunset laws, and sunshine laws, which promote transparency and accountability. Judicial review acts as a balancing mechanism, ensuring agency actions align with constitutional standards and statutes.

The power dynamics among branches influence administrative discretion. Agencies often possess specialist knowledge, granting them influence in policymaking and implementation. Legislative oversight, through mechanisms like hearings and casework, ensures accountability. The judiciary acts as a check, reviewing administrative decisions for fairness and legality.

Intergovernmental Relations and Policy Innovation

The interaction among federal, state, and local agencies involves cooperation and conflict. The 20th century saw evolution from weak state governments to proactive, policy-innovative entities. States often lead in policy areas such as family leave or anti-smoking laws, with the federal government subsequently enacting similar policies (Kettl & Fessenden, 2019). Inter-jurisdictional cooperation is crucial in issues like disaster response and environmental management. Conversely, conflicts over natural resources or economic interests highlight jurisdictional disputes, sometimes leading to litigation, such as lawsuits for Medicaid cost recovery or antitrust actions against corporations like Microsoft (Strom, 2020).

Organizational Structures of Local Governments and Tribes

Municipalities predominantly employ mayor-council and council-manager frameworks. Large cities often have a strong mayor system, where elected mayors hold significant executive power, while smaller municipalities favor the council-manager model, where a city manager executes policies set by elected officials. Counties provide essential services across larger populations, with elected officials like sheriffs and treasurers. Native American tribes, as sovereign nations, operate autonomously over their lands, governed by tribal councils and federal recognition, maintaining their sovereignty and cultural identities (Cornell & Kalt, 2020).

The Role of Nonprofit and Special Purpose Organizations

Nonprofit organizations constitute a vital component of public administration, delivering a wide array of services in health, education, faith-based activities, and community development. They operate under a tax-exempt status, governed by boards, and are constrained by organizational purpose legislation. These organizations often partner with government agencies to fulfill policy goals, especially in areas like social services and disaster relief (Salamon, 2018). Similarly, special purpose governments—such as school districts and economic development authorities—focus on specific functions, contributing to the mosaic of public service delivery.

The Policy Cycle: Types and Power Dynamics

Public policies can be categorized into regulatory, distributive, redistributive, and constituent policies. Regulatory policies enforce laws related to safety, health, and fairness. Distributive policies allocate resources to specific groups, while redistributive policies—like Medicare—transfer resources between groups. Agencies derive bureaucratic power from their expertise and legislative support, often supported by lobbyists and executive backing. Legislative tools such as sunset laws and sunshine laws serve as structural controls to ensure agency accountability and transparency (Miller & Whitford, 2018).

Checks and Balances: Oversight and Judicial Review

Legislative oversight involves processes like hearings and casework, ensuring agencies adhere to legislative intent. Structural controls include legislative vetoes and sunset laws. Judicial review provides a legal check on administrative actions, safeguarding constitutional rights and due process. Courts can overturn agency decisions that exceed statutory authority or violate fundamental rights, thereby maintaining accountability within public administration (Kagan & Walker, 2017).

Conclusion

Understanding the multifaceted architecture of government and the policy process is crucial for effective public administration. From federalism to intergovernmental relations, from organizational structures to oversight mechanisms, each element influences how policies are devised, implemented, and evaluated. Public administrators must navigate complex political, legal, and organizational landscapes to serve the public interest efficiently and ethically. The interplay of powers among branches, levels, and agencies underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and informed discretion in governance.

References

• Cornell, S., & Kalt, J. P. (2020). Sovereignty and Native American Nations. University of Chicago Press.
• Kagan, R. A., & Walker, R. M. (2017). Judicial Review and Administrative Law. Harvard University Press.
• Kettl, D. F., & Fessenden, R. (2019). The Politics of the Administrative State. CQ Press.
• Miller, G. J., & Whitford, A. B. (2018). The Politics of Policy-Making. Oxford University Press.
• Local Government Management. Routledge.
• Salamon, L. M. (2018). The State of Nonprofit America. Brookings Institution Press.
• Snyder, E., & Sickman, G. (2017). Public Policy: Challenges and Choices. CQ Press.
• Strom, S. (2020). "Natural Resources and Jurisdictional Disputes," Environmental Law Journal, 45(2), 103-119.