Abstract
<jats:p>The article provides a comprehensive study of the legal content of the administrative discretion institute within the context of the modern public administration system. The authors analyze the theoretical foundations of administrative discretion as a legal tool that enables public authorities to make decisions under conditions of legal uncertainty and ensures flexibility in the public administration process. Special attention is given to the relationship between administrative discretion and the principles of legality, proportionality, and expediency, which guarantee not only effectiveness but also fairness in public governance. The article discusses the limits and restrictions of administrative discretion, as well as its role in ensuring a balance between citizens’ rights and the necessity of making prompt decisions in the context of public administration. The use of specific examples from public administration practices in Ukraine and other countries helps identify the main issues arising in the application of administrative discretion and suggests ways to address these issues through the improvement of legal regulation and the formation of new mechanisms for controlling the exercise of public authority. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need for further scientific developments in this field to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of public administration, as well as to strengthen the rule of law in state governance. The institution of public administration in Ukraine is implemented in practice in specific forms and by specific methods. If public administration reveals the main directions of purposeful activity of subjects of power to fulfil administrative obligations, the forms show how this is done, with the help of public administration forms the tasks and functions of public administration are practically implemented, and the success of government activities largely depends on their use. Forms are designed to ensure the most appropriate performance of management functions, achievement of its goals with the least expenditure of effort, resources and time.</jats:p>