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

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

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) Brief the legislative assistant first.
D) Ask to speak only to the legislator, and not to their legislative analysts.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

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 are correct.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

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.

Question 5

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 are correct.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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

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

Question 11

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 12

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 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) Enacting strategy in community settings.
B) Power resources.
C) Legislative initiatives.
D) Political action.

Question 14

Which of the following is a tactic that policy advocates can use to address dysfunctional group processes?

A) Mediation.
B) Humor.
C) Promoting efficient deliberation.
D) All of the above are correct.

Question 15

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

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

Question 16

How many steps exist in formulating and implementing political strategies?

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

Question 17

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 18

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.

Question 19

Demonstrations, holding community forums, and using the mass media are aspects of:

A) Social movements.
B) Protests activities.
C) A campaign to achieve policy goals.
D) Are most useful for securing additional resources for specific programs.

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.