MPA Introduction 4

Question 1

Which layer of the U.S. government system is primarily responsible for public education, zoning, and local police services?

Accepted Answer

Local government

Answer

Local governments (municipalities, counties, school districts) primarily deliver education, land-use regulation, and local law enforcement services to residents.

Question 2

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was significant in U.S. public administration because it:

Accepted Answer

Replaced the spoils system with merit-based hiring

Answer

The Pendleton Act introduced competitive examinations for federal jobs, shifting hiring from political patronage toward merit-based civil service.

Question 3

Which theory of organization argues that workers are motivated not just by money but by social relationships and group norms, as revealed by the Hawthorne Studies?

Accepted Answer

Human Relations Theory

Answer

Elton Mayo's Hawthorne Studies led to Human Relations Theory, showing that social dynamics, worker morale, and group norms significantly affect productivity.

Question 4

In public budgeting, 'incrementalism' as described by Aaron Wildavsky means agencies typically base their budget requests on:

Accepted Answer

Last year's budget plus a small increment

Answer

Wildavsky found that budget negotiations focus on marginal changes to the previous year's base, rather than comprehensive review of all expenditures.

Question 5

Which constitutional amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, forming the basis of federalism?

Accepted Answer

Tenth Amendment

Answer

The Tenth Amendment's reservation clause is the constitutional foundation for states' rights and the division of powers between federal and state governments.

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA Introduction 4