Political Science 3713
Suggested Essay Topics
Essay Due: March 17. 2009
Length: 3,000 words
Use Modern Languages Association style of citation
1) Examine the use of public private partnerships in Canada. Have P3s contributed to
a more efficient government?
2) Examine the issues of bilingualism and the representation of francophones in the
civil sercice
3) Examine the role voluntary organizations in implementing government policy.
Can voluntary groups improve the efficiency and responsiveness of government?
Consider the concept of social capital in approaching this topic.
4) Consider attempts to make the civil service more financial accountable including
the creation of the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
5) Are women well represented in the higher bureaucracy? What are the implications
of the level of female representation in the higher civil service?
6)
What impact has the Charter of Rights and freedoms had on public administration
in Canada?
7)
Has Freedom of information legislation opened up the government Canada? Is
this desirable?
8) Evaluate the adoption of New Public Management in Canada. Why has the
government of Canada done less to adopt NPM than Britain or the United States?
9) What are the particular problems with managing reserves?
10) Examine the use of the ombudsman in Canada with particular reference to Ontario.
11) Examine the relationship between politicians and senior civil servants. Is this
relationship particularly difficult when conservatives are in power?