You are to thoughtfully and thoroughly answer the following question. You should make reference to the readings. You are being asked to apply what you have learned to a specific problem. You are not being asked to give your opinions, but to make an argument.
Public policy is fundamentally about distributions. How we distribute, however, may ultimately hinge on how we conceive of the concept of equality. Liberals, conservatives, and libertarians conceive of equality differently. As a public administrator, you need to allocate money from the budget for a variety of things: fire, police, education, social services, etc. When the economy is down, more people need social services. To pay for them more taxes might be necessary. But more taxes, as well as more spending on social services might also send the wrong signals to would-be investors who could create jobs. And yet more people are in need. What is the balanced approach that you will take that ensures liberty, security, efficiency, and equity?
In writing your answers you are expected to grapple with the trade-offs. You are to make an argument and back it up. This is not about your personal opinions.