Governance And Good Governance Values Flashcards
What is good governance?
The responsible use of power to achieve positive outcomes for society.
What are the four basic responsibilities of the state?
- Protecting its own citizens
- Promoting the welfare of its own citizens
- Enforcing justice
- Promoting truth and knowledge
What five things did the 2008-09 Public Administration Select Committee recommend that constitute a good government?
- good people
- good process
- good accountability
- good performance
- good standards
What does accountability entail?
- public forum
- explain and justify conduct
- ask questions and pass judgement
- facing of consequences
What are the three major types of accountability?
- Political
- Administrative
- Legal
What is the most important type of accountability within a democracy?
Political accountability
What are the mechanisms of political accountability?
- elections (most emblematic)
- ministerial responsibility
- public inquiries
- select committees
What does administrative accountability ensure?
That government implements policies etc effectively and efficiently
Civil servants are subject to the same political accountability as ministers.
True or false?
False.
Apart from the government itself, what other bodies oversee government actions?
- National Audit Office
- Ombudsmen
Accountability systems do not work in isolation from one another.
True or false?
True
What are the four main principles of legal accountability?
- legality
- procedural fairness
- rationality
- proportionality
What does the principle of legality mean in regards to legal accountability of government?
Legality: government can only act within the scope of its powers
What does the principle of procedural fairness mean in regards to legal accountability of government?
Procedural fairness: government must adopt a fair decision-making process
What does the principle of rationality mean in regards to legal accountability of government ?
Rationality: government decisions must be rational or reasonable
