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1 Use concepts like “needs”, “society” and “services” to answer
the question “What is public administration?”
Public administration is about providing for the needs of society,

satisfying the needs of society within the borders of a specific state by
the provision of a certain public services by the authorities at all
spheres of government* (pg 3)
2 Explain in detail the meaning of each of the following concepts:
● Social contract social contract is an agreement between

government on one hand and the society and the individual on
another. Each party has rights and obligations to fulfill. An
example is government has an obligation to ensure protection
of all citizens and it is the duty of citizens to comply otherwise
they infringe on other citizens’ rights and then govt has to
enforce authority over non-compliance
● Milieu - Milieu is the physical state of life, the physical setting,
location and surrounding. The environment or sphere that
surrounds a society and which has an ongoing influence on
the society. It consists of forces that shape the needs of
society and what the society looks like. The sphere that
surrounds society such as technology, epidemics, diseases,
policies and ideologies.
● Demography the composition of a particular human
population. The study of human population, it involves the
formal demography which relates to data on births, deaths,
migration.
● Community People who are grouped together because of a
shared or strong communal interest. The condition of sharing
or having certain attitudes and interests in common
● State to describe a state you need to describe concept of a
state usually has its own territory, population, government and
sovereignty. It is an organized community that is under one
government Pg 12
3 Define what is meant by “the good life”. The good life as Plato said
is to be free of any higher authority on earth, only having the laws of
nature to obey. When we are living a life of natural perfection. That the
state provides services to tend to our needs at all time and we are
never in distress. The good life can be viewed as an individual or
group issue.
4 Critically analyse any four (4) factors that influence the milieu of
the South African society.
● Technology influences the milieu of South African
society, the collection of knowledge or skills available in
society for industry. As technology advances there is
greater need for the government to protect new
technological threats
● Epidemics and diseases influence the milieu of South

African society. South Africa has the highest incidence of
HIV and aids, bringing immense pressure to welfare
services, because breadwinners are lost, children are put
on the street and families disintegrate. Economy suffers
because funeral attendances rise and sick leave is put in
more often. Public services are shaped and needed.
● Industrialisation & Global warming are another factor,for

an economy to change industrialisation needs to occur,
industrialisation influences nature which is a big factor to
influence a milieu, there is a greater need for health care
and environmental conservation, because more diseases
are spread and damage taken to the environment
● Demographic Forces - the urbanisation,people moving
from rural areas to urban areas, the aging population,
less children being born
5 In a short essay, define the concept “government”, describe

various forms of government and the different spheres of
government in South Africa.
The government is the authority that makes and enforces laws, they
exercise authority on behalf of the state. There are different forms of
government, which is referred by the actions of the government and
its methods. There are democratic and non democratic governments.
South Africa classifies its current government as a democracy.
Democratic governments are formed by equality, political equality,
where the citizens have power by voting. Non democratic
governments are characterized by dictatorships, totalitarianism and
perfect totalitarianism.
6 Describe why the National Economic Development and Labour

Council (Nedlac) is a contemporary example of a social contract.
the National Economic Development and Labour Council. Nedlac is a
body engaged in negotiations and agreements and is made up of
government and other social partners . The aim of Nedlac is to bring
about agreements on social and economic policies. Each party has a
responsibility and a contribution to make. It does not, however,
replace the authority of the government or the independence of the
business sector and organised labour. Therefore it is a social contract
because a social contract today may be regarded as a reciprocal
agreement between different parties to optimise joint benefits.
7 Explain how “development” is linked to the “good life”. Support

your answer with relevant examples.
Development is linked to the Good Life because, development is
aimed to achieve the good life. Development can be defined as the
rising of economic and social standards, because this promotes
changes and growth in these areas, it is beneficial to the structure of
society, therefore the population will receive a higher quality of life. An
example is: Education standard is increased and students receive
quality tuition, it produces more educated people and more people to
graduate, study and receive jobs more easy. This aims for the good
life for these prospective students.
8 Describe the reasons why the “good life” may be viewed as an

individual issue or as a group matter.
As an individual issue the good life can be viewed as living and
protecting your individual life, to be free, work and own property and
safety. As a group issue it can be viewed as the right to be part of a
group, collective, a stable family life, to voluntary interaction and
association, pursuing common group goals and to freedom of worship,
to promote mutual harmony.
9 The government is involved in providing collective services,

quasi-collective services and individual services. Analyse any six
(6) criteria to determine whether government should become
involved in the provision of individual services.
Can the government itself provide collective services. Its better to
leave individuals to make some choices by themselves, Sponte Acta,
so individuals can take initiative without assistance. Before we ask
whether the government should become involved we should check the
following. Is it something that individuals in society will do for
themselves on their own initiative?Will society in any case
impose self-control on its members?“What is the purpose of the
service?” Is there social control? Is it a competitive free market?
10 Explain what public administration is by using the concept of “society”.

Public administration deals with satisfying the needs of society, within
its countries boundaries. A service to the citizens to ensure they are
able to live happier lives. The ability to identify and understand the
needs of society.
11 Describe in detail the meaning of “needs” in a society. Support your answer with
relevant examples. Needs are certain necessities in a society to create balance of
circumstance. Needs can be basic, physical or in safety categories. Basic needs would be food,
housing, education.
12 Who is responsible for protecting the „„good life‟‟ in a specific state? Motivate
your answer.
It is probably that institution which has the necessary authority and the ability to provide the
protection and help that is needed: in other words the particular government or authority. the
government has the authority to act in order to protect and promote the interests,
property, rights and freedoms of the state, society and its individual members.

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1 Use concepts like “needs”, “society” and “services” to answer

the question “What is public administration?”

Public administration is about providing for the needs of society,

2 Explain in detail the meaning of each of the following concepts:

● Social contract social contract is an agreement between

● Epidemics and diseases influence the milieu of South

● Industrialisation & Global warming are another factor,for

5 In a short essay, define the concept “government”, describe

6 Describe why the National Economic Development and Labour

7 Explain how “development” is linked to the “good life”. Support

8 Describe the reasons why the “good life” may be viewed as an

9 The government is involved in providing collective services,

10 Explain what public administration is by using the concept of “society”.

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