PSC Public Policy Analysis 2

Question 1

Which model of policy-making describes decisions as small, incremental modifications to existing policies rather than wholesale change?

Accepted Answer

Incrementalism

Answer

Incrementalism, developed by Charles Lindblom, argues that policymakers make modest adjustments to existing policies rather than comprehensive rational redesigns, due to limited information and political constraints.

Question 2

A 'policy window' in Kingdon's multiple streams model opens when:

Accepted Answer

A problem stream, policy stream, and political stream converge

Answer

Kingdon's multiple streams model says major policy change requires three streams — a recognized problem, a viable solution, and political will — to align simultaneously, opening a policy window.

Question 3

Regulatory capture occurs when:

Accepted Answer

A regulatory agency begins serving the interests of the industry it regulates rather than the public

Answer

Regulatory capture happens when a regulatory agency prioritizes the interests of the industry it oversees — due to revolving door employment, lobbying, or informational dependence — over the public interest.

Question 4

Which term describes the process by which policy innovations spread from one state or jurisdiction to others?

Accepted Answer

Policy diffusion

Answer

Policy diffusion refers to the process by which policy ideas, designs, or innovations spread across governments — often from pioneering states to others — through learning, competition, or imitation.

Question 5

An 'externality' in public policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Effects of an economic activity borne by parties not directly involved in the transaction

Answer

Externalities are costs or benefits that spill over to third parties outside a transaction, such as pollution from a factory harming nearby residents who are not party to the production decision.

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC Public Policy Analysis 2