The Administrative Law course focuses on the different branches of government and the laws that govern thier interaction and authority. The material was focused on the federal level, but we had plenty of opportunities to apply the cases and concepts to the level of government most relevant to us.
Without knowledge of administrative laws and processes, it would be impossible to apply effective public governance. Understanding precedent and authority is critical to providing the services necessary for a government agency to function. This class improves critical thinking skills by applying different cases to current practices.
Administrative Law and Administrative Theory have some significant correlation. The origins of democracy and the theory of governance are what created our Republican Democracy and continue to shape the direction of our nation. Theory and ideology play a huge role in politics, lawmaking, agency authority, and judicial review.
Ethical behavior begins with understanding the laws that govern an agency. Being able to explain and help my agency and community understand the role and processes under which the bureaucracy functions improves citizen engagement and trust.
Political Control of Agency Action is especially interesting as a political science undergraduate. Being aware of the interaction between politics and agency authority is critical to foster good communication between the branches of government and better policy for the people.
Understanding the separation of powers is the first step in understanding how our democracy was created and how it functions. The variety of beliefs about the power in each branch is still a very relevant topic. Understanding the roles and maintaining the balance of power is difficult, but an important goal for a functioning government.
Understanding the communication laws that govern bureaucracy is an integral part of working in government. Transparency is a pillar of agency action and an important way we are held accountable by the public.