MPA Public Policy Analysis 3

Question 1

Which concept refers to unintended negative consequences borne by third parties who are not directly involved in a policy or transaction?

Accepted Answer

Externalities

Answer

Negative externalities are costs imposed on parties external to a transaction or policy decision, such as pollution affecting people who are not buyers or sellers of a product.

Question 2

In Kingdon's Multiple Streams Framework, a 'policy window' opens when:

Accepted Answer

The problem stream, policy stream, and political stream converge, creating an opportunity for policy change

Answer

According to Kingdon, a policy window is a brief opportunity for advocates to push their preferred solutions when a compelling problem, a viable solution, and a favorable political climate all align simultaneously.

Question 3

What is 'evidence-based policymaking'?

Accepted Answer

An approach that uses rigorous research and data to identify effective interventions and inform policy choices

Answer

Evidence-based policymaking integrates the best available research, data, and program evaluations into government decision-making to improve policy effectiveness.

Question 4

Which theory holds that policies, once established, are difficult to change because they create constituencies and institutions that reinforce the status quo?

Accepted Answer

Path dependency

Answer

Path dependency in policy analysis explains how early policy choices create self-reinforcing feedback loops — interest groups, institutions, and expectations that make policy reversal costly.

Question 5

A 'sunset provision' in legislation requires that:

Accepted Answer

A program or law automatically expires after a set period unless affirmatively reauthorized

Answer

Sunset provisions build an expiration date into a law or program, forcing periodic legislative review and reauthorization rather than allowing programs to continue indefinitely.

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA Public Policy Analysis 3