Accountability is the essence of the democratic form of government. Accountability is the liability assumed by all those who exercise authority where there has been responsibilities delegated; ultimately, a liability owed to all citizens by the government and subsequently, every government department and agency. Since Canada is a representative democracy, it is responsible for good governance but accountable for its actions, whether or not the two coincide.
Table of Contents
1. Accountability and Responsibility
2. Ministerial Responsibility
2.1 Collective Responsibility
2.2 Individual Ministerial Responsibility
3. Departments and Public Agencies
4. Public Servants and Bureaucracy
5. Methods of Parliamentary Control
5.1 The Office of the Auditor General
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the fundamental principles of accountability and responsibility within the Canadian public administration system, focusing on how power is balanced between government officials, civil servants, and the electorate.
- The distinction between accountability and responsibility in governance
- Collective vs. individual ministerial responsibility
- The role of the bureaucracy and civil service
- Mechanisms of parliamentary control over government
- The function of the Office of the Auditor General
- The foundational role of the citizen in a democratic society
Excerpt from the Book
Accountability and Responsibility
Accountability is the essence of the democratic form of government. Accountability is the liability assumed by all those who exercise authority where there has been responsibilities delegated; ultimately, a liability owed to all citizens by the government and subsequently, every government department and agency. Since Canada is a representative democracy, it is responsible for good governance but accountable for its actions, whether or not the two coincide.
One of the most basic and fundamental principles of a democratic society is the government must be accountable to its citizens. Such accountability in Canada is exercised through parliamentary control. Every minister is ultimately accountable for their portfolio to parliament and therefore in turn responsible to the Canadian electorate. The actualization of this responsibility is undertaken upon the assumption of office; however, it is not absolute. Power may be revoked in a number of ways, but the most fundamentally democratic way is by way of ballot box (Siegel & Kernaghan, p. 29), where citizens can vote for another party if they feel the current party was unaccountable or irresponsible.
Summary of Chapters
Accountability and Responsibility: This chapter introduces the core concepts of accountability as the foundation of Canadian democratic governance and defines the initial scope of the study.
Ministerial Responsibility: This chapter analyzes the dual structure of ministerial duties, distinguishing between collective cabinet solidarity and the individual obligations of ministers.
Departments and Public Agencies: This chapter explores the administrative role of government departments and the legal relationship between ministers and their deputy ministers.
Public Servants and Bureaucracy: This chapter investigates the role of the civil service in implementing policy and the complexities surrounding their direct accountability.
Methods of Parliamentary Control: This chapter discusses the mechanisms parliament uses to supervise the bureaucracy, with a specific focus on the function of the Auditor General.
Keywords
Accountability, Responsibility, Canadian Government, Public Administration, Ministerial Responsibility, Collective Responsibility, Bureaucracy, Parliamentary Control, Auditor General, Public Policy, Governance, Democracy, Civil Service, Executive Power
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work explores the theoretical and practical framework of accountability and responsibility within the Canadian political and administrative system.
What are the central themes discussed?
The text focuses on the division of power, the doctrine of ministerial responsibility, bureaucratic operations, and the oversight mechanisms available to the Canadian parliament.
What is the core research question?
The work seeks to define the differences between accountability and responsibility and examine how these principles are maintained within Canadian public administration.
Which methodology is employed?
The author utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing political theory with established conventions of the Canadian parliamentary system.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the roles of cabinet ministers, the structure of government departments, the function of civil servants, and specific legislative control methods like the Auditor General.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The key concepts include accountability, ministerial responsibility, bureaucratic power, parliamentary control, and democratic governance.
How does the author distinguish between collective and individual ministerial responsibility?
Collective responsibility refers to the government's need to act as a unified body to maintain confidence, while individual responsibility holds a specific minister accountable for the actions of their department.
Why is the Office of the Auditor General considered vital?
It acts as a "watchdog" that reports directly to parliament, providing essential, objective evidence on government spending and the effectiveness of social and economic programs.
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- Cory Contini (Autor:in), 2009, Responsible Public Administration, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/230616
