The problem in characterization of such concepts as «politics» and «administration» is revealed. Theoretical approaches to the study of problems in political activity are considered. It is proved that the system of development of persons in the field of political management is designed for their continuous improvement and is based on a set of principles, models and goals that determine the direction and content of their competences, general and specific requirements to them. The concept of «a person occupying a political (elective) position» is clarified. Training in political and administrative activity is interpreted as the process of improving the existing and developing the desired skills of persons occupying political (elective) positions in exercising their powers in order to fulfill their responsibilities more effectively.
The essence of mechanisms of development of persons in the system of political management is revealed. Theories of human resources and human capital have been systematized. On this bases it was summarized that training in political and administrative activity can be formal and informal, have direct and indirect influence.
It is determined that national and international training systems in the field of political and administrative activity can be a component, first of all, of the general educational policy; second, human resources development policies; third, public policy development policies in general; fourthly, the professional development policies of a particular category of individuals in the field of governance (e. g. persons occupying political positions).
The retrospective and comparative discourse of the mechanisms of formation and development of the system of training for persons occupying political (elective) positions abroad and in Ukraine was carried out. The stages of formation and development of the system of training in the sphere of political and administrative activity in Ukraine, including through the institutionalization and professionalization of political and administrative activity, are revealed. The development of political (elected) persons is analyzed through the processes of socialization, institutionalization and professionalization of political and administrative activity.
A comprehensive analysis of mechanisms for the development of individuals to political and administrative activities, within the formal education system – at the level of secondary and higher education, elite schools and institutions for training elite is provided.
Taking into account the formation of the personnel for the public authorities from the political (elected) persons, the role of political parties in this process and the mechanisms of training within a political party have been updated. It has been proven that training can be implemented as: organization of training sessions (seminars), project activities, exchange programs (visits), political consultation (or individual consultations), grants (financial assistance), as a comparison of best practices and more. The relevant associations (political networks, political foundations, associations of government bodies, professional associations, Internet communities) contribute to the effectiveness of implementation of mechanisms of development of persons in the sphere of political and administrative activity
