7 Lecture

MGT111

Midterm & Final Term Short Notes

History of Public Administration – I

History of Public Administration-I refers to the evolution of public administration from ancient times to the mid-nineteenth century. It covers the development of administrative practices in various societies, such as ancient India, China, Greec


Important Mcq's
Midterm & Finalterm Prepration
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  1. Which ancient civilization had a sophisticated system of administration? a) Egypt b) Greece c) Rome d) China Answer: d) China

  2. The term "bureaucracy" was coined by which French philosopher? a) Jean-Jacques Rousseau b) Montesquieu c) Voltaire d) Max Weber Answer: d) Max Weber

  3. Who is considered the father of Indian Public Administration? a) Kautilya b) Mahatma Gandhi c) Jawaharlal Nehru d) Rabindranath Tagore Answer: a) Kautilya

  4. Which ancient Greek city-state is associated with the concept of democracy? a) Sparta b) Athens c) Corinth d) Thebes Answer: b) Athens

  5. Which Roman emperor introduced a vast administrative system that included a civil service? a) Julius Caesar b) Augustus c) Nero d) Constantine Answer: b) Augustus

  6. The feudal system of administration emerged during which period in Europe? a) Renaissance b) Middle Ages c) Enlightenment d) Industrial Revolution Answer: b) Middle Ages

  7. Who wrote the book "The Prince," which outlined the principles of effective governance during the Renaissance period? a) Machiavelli b) Hobbes c) Locke d) Rousseau Answer: a) Machiavelli

  8. Which Chinese philosopher emphasized the importance of a well-ordered society and the rule of law? a) Confucius b) Laozi c) Sun Tzu d) Mencius Answer: a) Confucius

  9. Which ancient Indian text provides insights into the principles of governance and administration? a) Ramayana b) Mahabharata c) Arthashastra d) Vedas Answer: c) Arthashastra

  10. Who is considered the father of modern public administration in Europe? a) Max Weber b) Woodrow Wilson c) Frederick Taylor d) Henri Fayol Answer: b) Woodrow Wilson



Subjective Short Notes
Midterm & Finalterm Prepration
Past papers included

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  1. Explain the significance of the Chinese Administrative System in the history of public administration.

Answer: The Chinese administrative system is considered significant in the history of public administration because it was the first organized system of governance. The Chinese administrative system emphasized the importance of merit and competence in public service. The civil service examinations were the key to selecting the officials, which were based on Confucian ideals. This system of governance was later adopted by many other countries.

  1. Describe the role of the Hammurabi Code in the history of public administration.

Answer: The Hammurabi Code is considered one of the first written codes of law. It played a significant role in the history of public administration because it established a legal framework for public officials to follow. The Hammurabi Code provided guidelines for the conduct of public officials and the punishment for wrongdoing. This code was later adopted by many other civilizations and is considered the foundation for modern legal systems.

  1. Discuss the significance of the Mauryan Empire in the history of public administration.

Answer: The Mauryan Empire is considered significant in the history of public administration because it was one of the first empires to have a well-organized administrative system. The empire was divided into administrative units, and officials were appointed to govern each unit. The emperor, Ashoka, emphasized the importance of morality and ethical conduct in public service. The Mauryan Empire's administrative system was later adopted by many other countries in Asia.

  1. What was the role of the Roman Republic in the history of public administration?

Answer: The Roman Republic is considered significant in the history of public administration because it was one of the first republics to have a well-organized administrative system. The Roman Republic had a complex system of government that included elected officials, magistrates, and the Senate. The Republic emphasized the importance of the rule of law and the separation of powers. This system of government influenced many later civilizations.

  1. Discuss the significance of the Islamic Caliphate in the history of public administration.

Answer: The Islamic Caliphate is considered significant in the history of public administration because it was one of the first empires to have a centralized administrative system. The empire was divided into provinces, and governors were appointed to govern each province. The Caliphate emphasized the importance of justice and public service. The Islamic administrative system influenced many later civilizations, including the Ottoman Empire.

  1. Explain the significance of the Magna Carta in the history of public administration.

Answer: The Magna Carta is considered significant in the history of public administration because it was one of the first documents to limit the power of the monarchy and establish the rule of law. The Magna Carta established the principle that the monarch was subject to the law, and it provided protections for individual rights. This document influenced many later legal systems, including the United States Constitution.

  1. Discuss the role of the French Revolution in the history of public administration.

Answer: The French Revolution is considered significant in the history of public administration because it led to the establishment of a merit-based administrative system. The Revolution emphasized the importance of competence and merit in public service, rather than birth or privilege. This system of government was later adopted by many other countries in Europe and around the world.

  1. Describe the significance of the American Revolution in the history of public administration.

Answer: The American Revolution is considered significant in the history of public administration because it established the principles of democracy and popular sovereignty. The Revolution emphasized the importance of the rule of law, individual rights, and the separation of powers. These principles influenced the development of many other democracies around the world.

  1. Discuss the significance of the Industrial Revolution in the history of public administration.

Answer: The Industrial Revolution is considered significant in the history of public administration because it led to the growth of


  1. What are some of the current challenges facing public administration? Answer: Current challenges facing public administration include managing the impacts of climate change, ensuring equitable access to public services, and addressing emerging threats such as cyber security and pandemics.

The study of public administration is incomplete without exploring its rich history. Public administration has evolved over centuries, from ancient civilizations to modern democracies. In the first part of the history of public administration, we explore the roots of public administration in ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These civilizations had complex administrative systems that managed public affairs, including taxation, law enforcement, and public works. The Middle Ages saw the rise of feudalism and monarchies, where the administration of public affairs was carried out by the ruling classes. The Renaissance period marked a new era in public administration with the emergence of the modern nation-state. The 17th and 18th centuries were marked by the Age of Enlightenment and the emergence of new theories about governance and public administration. The 19th century saw the emergence of bureaucracy as a dominant form of organization in public administration. Max Weber's theory of bureaucracy emphasized the importance of rationality, efficiency, and expertise in the administration of public affairs. This period also saw the emergence of the civil service system and the professionalization of public administration. The early 20th century was marked by the emergence of new theories of public administration, including scientific management, which emphasized the importance of efficiency and productivity in public organizations. This period also saw the emergence of the progressive movement, which emphasized the need for democratic control and citizen participation in the administration of public affairs. In summary, the history of public administration is a rich tapestry of ideas, theories, and practices that have evolved over centuries. Understanding this history is essential for understanding the contemporary practice of public administration and its ongoing evolution.