Public Adminstration - Essay Example

The word 'public' also refers to activities the state administers on behalf of the entire community" (Rouse & Berkley, 2003, pg. 4). Rouse and Berkley also let readers know that serving the people is the job of public administrators. "Organized collectives of citizens constitute a variety of public communities in the United States." These include national, state, and local governments, townships, state recreation areas, public utilities, schools, sanitary, water districts, public libraries and parks, public defenders, public roadways, and public students (Rouse & Berkley, 2003, pg. 4). There is much debate regarding whether public administration should be considered a craft, art, or science.

First, it is essential to look at the definitions; a craft is "the skilled practice of a practical occupation or a skill in an occupation or trade" (Wikipedia, 2008, pg. 1). Art is a "skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation" (Wikipedia, 2008, pg. 1). Science is "knowledge gained through study or practice; mastery of a particular discipline or area" (Wikipedia, 2008, pg. 1). Based on these definitions, the practice of public administration appears to be a craft since the aforementioned aspects of public administration reflect the skilled practice that is already in effect.

In order to understand the terms partisan, policy, and system politics, it is again essential to take a look at the definitions. According to Wikipedia, "a partisan is a committed member of a party" (2008, pg. 1). The same source defines a policy as a "deliberate plan of action to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes" (Wikipedia, 2008, pg. 1). Finally, Wikipedia defines system politics (or political system) as "a complete set of institutions, interest groups (such as political parties, trade unions, lobby groups), the relationships between those institutions and the political norms and rules that govern their functions (constitution, election law)" (2008, pg. 1). Conclusion The purpose of this paper has been to define 'public administration'; discuss whether its most appropriately seen as an art, science, or craft; and discuss what is meant by partisan, policy, and system politics.

This is a crucial step to perform if Americans are going to understand what is happening in their local communities, regions, and national governments.