The New public Management addresses the relationship between government and citizens, not just a practical, but from a distinct theoretical position. Earlier in this chapter we exemined in detail the ideal concept of citizenship as being active, involved, and public spirited. We also pointed out the alternative legal definition of citizenship-a view we find to be based not only on legalism but also on self-interest. This theoretical viewpoint so clearly underlies the way in which the New public Mmanagement views the relationship between those in government the theoretical notion of citizen as consumer.