What is the relation between political leadership and administrative expertise in a major policy decision?

Correct answer: Leadership gives direction and administration plans implementation

Direct answer: A is correct. Political leadership receives a democratic mandate, identifies public priorities, chooses among alternatives and gives the policy its broad direction. Ministers are politically answerable to the legislature and ultimately to citizens. Administrative officials contribute technical knowledge about rules, budgets, staffing, timing, coordination and practical delivery. They can point out feasibility problems and help convert a political decision into a workable programme, while remaining subject to lawful instructions and constitutional limits. Neither side can successfully replace the other: a decision without public direction may lack democratic purpose, while a plan without administrative capacity may remain only an announcement. B, C and D assign impossible or unrelated functions. Memory cue: leaders decide the public direction; administration builds the practical route.