PSC Public Policy and Administration

Question 1

In the policy process, what is the 'agenda-setting' stage?

Accepted Answer

When an issue gains enough public and political attention to be considered for government action

Answer

When the legislature votes on a proposed law

Answer

When agencies develop regulations to implement a law

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When courts review the constitutionality of a policy

Question 2

What distinguishes 'public policy' from a law or statute?

Accepted Answer

Public policy refers broadly to a course of governmental action or inaction on a problem, including laws, regulations, and programs

Answer

Public policy is always created by administrative agencies, never by legislatures

Answer

Public policy can only be changed through constitutional amendment

Answer

Public policy is created exclusively by the executive branch

Question 3

What is 'cost-benefit analysis' in the context of public policy?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating a policy by comparing the total economic costs to the total economic benefits

Answer

Measuring public approval for a proposed government program

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Calculating the administrative costs of running a government agency

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Reviewing judicial decisions for their impact on policy outcomes

Question 4

The 'iron triangle' in U.S. public policy describes the mutually reinforcing relationship among:

Accepted Answer

Congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups

Answer

The president, the Senate, and the House of Representatives

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The Supreme Court, federal agencies, and state governments

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Political parties, media organizations, and think tanks

Question 5

What is 'incrementalism' as a model of policy-making?

Accepted Answer

The tendency for policy to change through small, gradual steps rather than comprehensive reform

Answer

The rapid overhaul of existing policy in response to major crises

Answer

A theory that policies should be based on scientific modeling

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The process of delegating policy decisions to local governments

Question 6

What is 'implementation' in the policy process?

Accepted Answer

The process by which government agencies carry out and put into effect enacted policy

Answer

Drafting legislation to address a public problem

Answer

Evaluating whether a policy has achieved its goals

Answer

Lobbying Congress to pass a new program