Deck 11: Developing Political Strategy and Putting It Into Action in the Policy-Enacting Task

Question 1

A possible error that may occur when using just force field analysis is that:

A)An advocate will support a policy and then find out it cannot be enacted.
B)An advocate will blindly commit themselves to a policy that is not feasible.
C)An advocate may fail to understand the positions of others.
D)An advocate may fail to take action to persuade others.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Force field analysis is:

A)The analysis of political strategy with respect to specific issues.
B)The selecting of policy objectives with respect to specific issues.
C)The analysis of the distribution of power with respect to specific issues.
D)The application of political force.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Which of the following will NOT help a group reach a productive conclusion?

A)Brainstorming.
B)Reducing multiple options to a shortlist.
C)Respect and tolerance.
D)Rapid decision making.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

A creative strategist will:

A)Make a firm political strategy in order to enact specific policy proposals.
B)Pursue the most ambitious scenario.
C)Develop a few possible scenarios to help reach their goals.
D)Make up a strategy as they go along.

Question 5

Coalitions are:

A)Groups that join permanently to support a certain issue.
B)Ongoing associations of persons and organizations.
C)Groups that focus on producing or influencing something external to the group itself.
D)Temporary associations created to consolidate power in support of a specific issue.

Question 6

When advocates are planning to visit a legislator,they should:

A)Approach the legislator as she leaves a legislative session.
B)Show up to the office unannounced in order to "make a statement".
C)Approach the chief staff person first.
D)Ask to speak only to the legislator,and not to their legislative analysts.

Question 7

How many steps exist in formulating and implementing political strategies?

A)4
B)10
C)3
D)7

Question 8

By taking the initiative in the proposal process,policy practitioners:

A)Could be at a disadvantage because their position is exposed first.
B)Give prominence to their ideas.
C)May be asked to amend their proposal at a later date.
D)Are immune to criticism.

Question 9

A group of individuals who come together to focus on producing or influencing something external to that group is called a:

A)Task group.
B)Network.
C)Coalition.
D)Partnership.

Question 10

If a politician supports a policy in order to enhance their own prestige,it is an example of:

A)A past stance.
B)A vested interest.
C)A situational reality.
D)Political strategy.

Question 11

Policy advocates in agency settings:

A)Use seven strategy steps like advocates in legislative settings.
B)Do not have the same advantages as advocates in the legislative setting.
C)Are unable to build coalitions.
D)All of these choices.

Question 12

Which of the following is not a tactic that policy advocates can use to address dysfunctional group processes?

A)Mediation.
B)Humor.
C)Whistle-blowing.
D)Assuming leadership.

Question 13

A proposed policy initiative for a zoning board to approve a halfway house for disabled adults,or proposed programs for underserved populations in a city are examples of:

A)Community-based advocacy.
B)Power resources.
C)Legislative initiatives.
D)Political action.

Question 14

Building a common strategy and organizing proponents into a cohesive unit is an example of:

A)Coalition building.
B)Agenda building.
C)Goal setting.
D)Establishing a style.

Question 15

Demonstrations and protests:

A)Should be widely used in policy practice.
B)Are usually successful in changing policy.
C)Can be used to educate the public.
D)Are most useful for securing additional resources for specific programs.

Question 16

Strategists may adopt a _________ role because they lack the power to influence the outcome of a proposal.

A)Negotiator.
B)Initiator.
C)Bystander.
D)Naysayer.

Question 17

Agency staff can shape policy:

A)Only at the program level.
B)Only if the policy affects their clients.
C)At multiple locations in the agency.
D)Only at the legislative level.

Question 18

If a policy advocate suggests a change of policy within an agency,it is more likely to be accepted if:

A)It advances the central goals of the agency.
B)It will benefit the clients.
C)It will generate revenue.
D)All of the above choices.

Question 19

An analysis of the existing law,a description of a proposed legislation,why change is necessary,and likely objectives are all included in:

A)An agenda.
B)A strategy.
C)A policy brief.
D)Policy research.

Question 20

Which of the following is not included in a resource book?

A)The existing law.
B)A list of opponents and allies.
C)Key issues.
D)Proposed solutions.