PSC Public Policy Analysis

Question 1

In the policy cycle model, which stage involves identifying a problem and bringing it to government attention?

Accepted Answer

Agenda setting

Answer

Policy formulation

Answer

Policy evaluation

Answer

Policy implementation

Question 2

A 'means-tested' government benefit program is one that:

Accepted Answer

Is available only to people below a certain income threshold

Answer

Requires recipients to pass a knowledge test

Answer

Provides benefits based on prior contributions

Answer

Is funded by a dedicated payroll tax

Question 3

Cost-benefit analysis in public policy involves:

Accepted Answer

Weighing all social costs and benefits to determine if a policy produces net gains

Answer

Comparing only the direct financial costs of a program

Answer

Measuring only the economic benefits to businesses

Answer

Calculating the administrative costs of a program

Question 4

Which term describes the phenomenon where government programs, once established, are very difficult to eliminate even when they become ineffective?

Accepted Answer

Policy entrenchment

Answer

Policy diffusion

Answer

Bureaucratic capture

Answer

Incrementalism

Question 5

The 'iron triangle' in U.S. policy-making refers to the alliance among:

Accepted Answer

Congressional committees, interest groups, and bureaucratic agencies

Answer

President, Senate, and House

Answer

Federal, state, and local governments

Answer

Democrats, Republicans, and independents

Question 6

Which policy instrument uses financial incentives or penalties to change behavior rather than direct mandates?

Accepted Answer

Market-based instruments

Answer

Regulatory command-and-control

Answer

Public information campaigns

Answer

Government provision of services