Why was the question of continuity and change in postcolonial civil service important?

Correct answer: Old administrative machinery had to be reshaped for democratic goals

The direct answer is A: old administrative machinery had to be reshaped to serve democratic goals after colonial rule ended. Colonial administrations were usually designed for control, revenue collection, order, and the interests of the ruling power. A postcolonial state inherited offices, laws, records, procedures, and trained officials, so it could not simply start from nothing. At the same time, independence created new expectations: citizens wanted equality, representation, public welfare, accountability, and respect for rights. The important question was therefore what should continue because it was useful and what should change because it was authoritarian or unrepresentative. Step by step: independence occurs; institutions are inherited; their old purpose may conflict with democracy; reforms are introduced; administration is expected to become answerable to citizens. Option A is correct because it expresses this balance of continuity and change. Option B is wrong because officials did not all disappear immediately. Option C is wrong because administration directly affects people through services, taxes, law, and welfare. Option D is wrong because colonial administration was generally not fully democratic and often excluded the colonized from equal participation. Memory cue: postcolonial administration means inherited structure, democratic reform.