ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by describing democracy and its aim. Democracy is equated with the basic tenets of good government. Good government has three basic universal principles: accountability; respect for the individual; and competence. Implementing good government require countries to copy to find their own ways forward. Western governments need to be careful in advocating their own political models because, even though they may function well at home, they are not perfect and they may function less well in another national context. The chapter further looks at some of the key ingredients of good government in greater depth. Good government can be achieved with efficient public administration. An appropriate relationship between political and administrative arms of government is important to maintaining the credibility of and support for the democratic process as a whole. Accountability to the public is essential in ensuring responsiveness to the needs of the public for whom government services are intended.
