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

Agenda-setting is the process by which certain issues attract the attention of government decision-makers and become candidates for policy action, while others remain off the agenda.

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 a broader concept than a single law — it encompasses the overall direction of government action or inaction, including statutes, executive orders, regulations, and spending decisions.

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

Cost-benefit analysis quantifies and compares the costs and benefits of a policy or program to determine whether its total benefits exceed total costs, informing rational policy choices.

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 iron triangle describes the stable, mutually beneficial relationships among congressional subcommittees, executive bureaucratic agencies, and organized interest groups that shape policy in specific areas.

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

Charles Lindblom's incrementalism argues that policymakers typically 'muddle through,' making small adjustments to existing policies rather than comprehensive rational changes, due to limited information and political constraints.

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC Public Policy and Administration