Administrative services as a function of a service-oriented state

This article is devoted to the problems of the categorical apparatus of the service-oriented state and administrative services. According to the service concept of public administration, the main social purpose of the modern state is the service of government to people and society, and the provision of administrative services is one of the priority functions of institutions of public authority. At the same time, authorities act as «service providers», and natural and legal entities – as «customers and consumers» of these services. The Constitution of Ukraine provides for the transition to a service-oriented model of public administration and enshrines in Art. 3 principle, according to which «a person, his life and health, honor and dignity, inviolability and security are recognized as the highest social value in Ukraine. Affirmation and provision of human rights and freedoms is the main duty of the state». The key features of the service state are defined: 1) in the service state, most of the functions are implemented «on request», that is, the service state is passive; 2) the service state functions on a competitive basis; 3) the service state must provide mandatory services; 4) its functioning must be subject to rational market logic; 5) the service state is a state of highly specialized specialists, and not necessarily managers; 6) the activity of the service state takes place in a situational mode, which allows quick management decisions regarding an individually determined case. The proper understanding of the concept of administrative service is provided and it is defined as a type of public service and the result of the exercise of power by the subject of the provision of these services and the professional activity of its officials and employees, aimed at satisfying the requests of individuals regarding the acquisition, change or termination of their rights and obligations in accordance with the law by making decisions and issuing administrative acts. The characteristic features of administrative services are clarified: their purpose is to ensure the rights and legitimate interests of individuals; they are provided only on the basis of a person’s application; administrative services are aimed at acquiring, changing or terminating the rights or obligations of a person; they are provided according to the appropriate procedure; the provision of such a service ends with the adoption of an administrative act; administrative services are provided by an administrative body on the basis of the powers established by law.