PAC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PAC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Cooperative federalism is primarily characterized by which of the following? → Shared responsibilities and collaborative relationships between levels of government
2. A program evaluation finds that outcomes differ significantly across counties implementing the same state policy. This variation most likely reflects: → Inconsistent local implementation capacity and discretion
3. Which type of federal grant gives recipient states the most flexibility in how funds are spent? → Block grants
4. In compliance monitoring, which strategy uses a risk-based approach to target inspection resources toward regulated entities most likely to be non-compliant? → Targeted or risk-based enforcement
5. How can policy analysts avoid conflicts of interest? → By disclosing conflicts and maintaining independence
6. What is the primary purpose of research methodologies in policy analysis? → To provide structured approaches for data collection and analysis
7. A matching grant in intergovernmental relations requires: → States to contribute their own funds proportionally to receive federal funding
8. What is a key skill for a policy analyst? → Strong analytical, research, and communication skills
9. What is the primary purpose of a logic model in program management? → To visually map inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of a program
10. Which regulatory analysis is required for all 'significant' federal rules under Executive Order 12866? → Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA)
11. Which of the following best describes 'program fidelity' in policy implementation? → The degree to which a program is delivered as originally designed
12. A local government wants to reduce plastic bag use. Which policy instrument would be most consistent with a 'nudge' approach? → Charging a small fee for plastic bags to change default consumer behavior
13. How can effective policy communication increase public engagement? → By fostering trust and transparency, encouraging public support
14. Why is transparency important in policy communication? → To ensure public trust and accountability
15. In program management, a 'milestones chart' is primarily used to: → Track the completion of key project deliverables over time
16. The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: → Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people
17. In strategic planning, 'SMART' goals are defined as goals that are: → Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
18. When prioritizing policy options, which criterion asks whether a policy can achieve its goals with a reasonable level of resources? → Technical feasibility
19. Why is feedback from the public important in policy communication? → It helps adjust the policy to better meet public needs
20. Which engagement strategy is most appropriate for stakeholders classified as 'high power, low interest' on a policy issue? → Keeping them satisfied with periodic updates and managing their concerns proactively
21. Which fiscal concept describes a situation where a government spends more than it collects in revenue in a given year? → Budget deficit
22. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to: → Regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states
23. Which regulatory instrument is most consistent with the 'polluter pays principle'? → Emission tax that charges polluters per unit of pollution emitted
24. Which type of policy analysis focuses on developing options and recommendations before a policy decision is made? → Prospective (prescriptive) policy analysis
25. A policy analyst is conducting a 'fiscal impact analysis' for a proposed development project. The primary purpose is to: → Estimate the net effect of the project on government revenues and expenditures
26. Which phase of the policy cycle directly follows the formal adoption of a policy by a legislative or executive body? → Policy implementation
27. What is policy evaluation? → Assessing the effectiveness of a policy and its outcomes
28. What role do statistical tools play in data analysis? → They help quantify, interpret, and identify trends in data
29. Why is evidence-based policymaking important? → It improves the credibility and success of policies
30. A policy analyst is asked to assess whether a proposed transportation bill is politically viable. Which factor is most important to examine first? → The positions of key committee chairs and whether the bill has bipartisan support