BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies BSGS Public Administration 5

Question 1

A 'sunset provision' in public law serves what primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

Setting an expiration date that forces legislative review of a program or agency

Answer

Sunset provisions require programs or agencies to be explicitly reauthorized by a set date or they automatically terminate, ensuring periodic legislative accountability.

Question 2

Which type of government organization is created by Congress to operate with greater independence from presidential control and is typically led by a multi-member commission?

Accepted Answer

Independent regulatory commission

Answer

Independent regulatory commissions (e.g., the FTC, SEC) are headed by bipartisan boards with fixed terms, insulating them from direct presidential removal and political pressure.

Question 3

In cost-benefit analysis for public programs, the term 'opportunity cost' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The value of the next-best alternative foregone when a resource is used

Answer

Opportunity cost captures what is given up by choosing one option—if funds go to Program A, the opportunity cost is the benefit that could have come from the best alternative use.

Question 4

The 'principal-agent problem' in public administration most commonly arises when:

Accepted Answer

Congress delegates authority to an agency that then pursues its own interests

Answer

The principal-agent problem occurs when the agent (agency) has different interests or information than the principal (Congress/president) and may not act as intended.

Question 5

Which intergovernmental arrangement allows local governments to enter into formal agreements to jointly provide a service or share resources across jurisdictions?

Accepted Answer

Interlocal service agreements

Answer

Interlocal service agreements (intergovernmental agreements or IGAs) allow municipalities to cooperate—for example, sharing a fire department or water system—to achieve economies of scale.

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies Practice Test

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies Practice Test

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies BSGS Public Administration 5