This comprehensive, up-to-date book emphasizes a value-based approach to the practice of public administration. It looks at the recent efforts to make government more accountable and responsive, and gives its constituents a sense of direction for the future. Chapter topics include the constraint of American government; direct democracy; bureaucratic image verses reality; performance measurement, program evaluation, and productivity; budgeting for results; affirmative action policies; local government contracting; and ethical behavior in government. For individuals interested in the field of public administration???as a career, or as a citizen who supports it. --This text refers to the Hardcover  edition.