In this book, Marta M. Assumpção-Rodrigues analyses the ability of political actors to negotiate within the state bureaucracy and with the community to implement policies compatible with universal principles of liberty, social justice, and ethics. According to her, public policy’s efficacy depends not only on the quality of human resources within the state but, most importantly, on a political environment that facilitates democratic governance and accountability. Presenting basic concepts - such as politics and policy, state and government, citizenship and democracy -, the author unveils the myth that public administration does not reproduce social/political values. This book is essential for students interested in issues related to the intersection between political science and public policy.