MPA Public Policy Analysis

Question 1

What is the 'policy cycle' in public administration?

Accepted Answer

A model describing the stages through which a policy passes from agenda-setting to evaluation

Answer

The policy cycle is a conceptual model describing stages such as agenda-setting, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation through which policies typically move.

Question 2

Which concept describes the process by which an issue moves from being a general public concern to an item that policymakers actively consider?

Accepted Answer

Agenda-setting

Answer

Agenda-setting is the process by which certain issues gain sufficient attention from policymakers to be placed on the formal legislative or governmental agenda.

Question 3

A 'cost-benefit analysis' in public policy primarily:

Accepted Answer

Quantifies and compares all costs and benefits of policy alternatives to find the most efficient option

Answer

Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) attempts to translate all policy costs and benefits into monetary terms to determine whether total benefits exceed costs and to compare alternatives.

Question 4

What does 'street-level bureaucracy' theory, developed by Michael Lipsky, emphasize?

Accepted Answer

That front-line public workers exercise significant discretion that shapes policy outcomes in practice

Answer

Lipsky argued that front-line workers (teachers, social workers, police officers) make real policy decisions through their day-to-day discretion, often departing from formal policy intent.

Question 5

Which analytical framework examines how different actors with different values and interests compete to influence policy outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF)

Answer

The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), developed by Sabatier and Jenkins-Smith, focuses on coalitions of actors sharing core beliefs who compete to influence policy over time.

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA Public Policy Analysis