Deck 2: Models of Politics

Question 1

Which of these is least likely to propose entirely new programs and policies?

A) rational model
B) group model
C) game theory model
D) incremental model

Answer 1

D

Question 2

A useful model should do all of the following EXCEPT

A) provide a simplified representation of reality.
B) provide explanations for public policy.
C) be testable.
D) include all aspects of a given policy.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

As opposed to elite and group theory, public choice theory focuses on

A) individuals.
B) large groups.
C) voters.
D) economic forces.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Elitism views the masses as largely

A) passive, apathetic, and ill-informed.
B) active, positive, and well-informed.
C) fundamentally uncontrollable.
D) maintaining a direct influence over the decision-making behavior of elites.

Question 5

Elite theory maintains that

A) society is divided into the many who have power and the few who do not.
B) the few who govern are typical of the masses that are governed.
C) the movement of nonelites to elite positions should be as rapid as possible.
D) elites share consensus on the need to preserve the system.

Question 6

To make a rational policy decision, policymakers must

A) chose a policy based only on its benefits.
B) assess a policy based only on its costs.
C) chose a policy with the greatest advantage.
D) weigh benefits against costs

Question 7

Which of the following is not part of the policy process?

A) agenda setting
B) policy evaluation
C) problem identification
D) policy input

Question 8

The latent group in American society is comprised of those that

A) generally support the political system.
B) refuse to vote.
C) are known as the elite.
D) monopolize public power.

Question 9

Public choice theory

A) views individuals as reacting very differently in politics than in the marketplace.
B) does not agree with Locke's social-contract view as to the origin of government.
C) helps explain why political parties and candidates do not like to offer clear policy alternatives.
D) does not examine the economic cost of externalities.

Question 10

The notion of deterrence is an important component of

A) incrementalism.
B) systems analysis.
C) public choice theory.
D) game theory.

Question 11

Which of these is based on older, more traditional political science?

A) game theory
B) public choice model
C) institutional model
D) rational model

Question 12

governments.
Is the distribution of money and power among federal, state, and local

A) Federalism
B) Policy formulation
C) Incrementalism
D) Policy legitimation

Question 13

Models are used for all of the following reasons except

A) to simplify our thinking about public policy.
B) to suggest explanations for public policy.
C) to evaluate the morality of different policies.
D) to identify important aspects of policy problems.

Question 14

Group theory views public policy as

A) the balance that is achieved between competing interests.
B) the desires of the elites.
C) the continuation of past policies.
D) incremental in nature.

Question 15

In public choice theory,
Costs on others without compensation.

A) group conflicts
B) rational choices
C) externalities
D) deterrents

Question 16

"Maximum social gain" is most associated with the

A) institutional model.
B) rational model.
C) elite model.
D) group model.

Question 17

Those that focus on the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) when studying public policy would be primarily interested in the

A) institutional model.
B) game theory model.
C) public choice model.
D) rational model.

Question 18

Incrementalism views public policy as

A) the product of group conflict.
B) the desire of the elites.
C) the continuation of past policies.
D) the most cost-effective alternative.

Question 19

Deterrence is

A) a form of elitism.
B) effective against an irrational opponent.
C) a psychological defense.
D) a form of defense based on economic forces.

Question 20

Public choice theory views policy as

A) similar to the decisions made in marketplaces.
B) driven by the desires of the few who have power.
C) the outcome of conflict between self-interested groups.
D) rational choice made in competitive situations.

Question 21

The public choice model is based largely on the notion of the social contract, a principle central to the ideas of the founding fathers.

Question 22

The institutional model focuses on governmental structures.

Question 23

When the activities of one group or individual impose costs on others for which there is no compensation, this is an externality.

Question 24

The elite model presupposes a small group of leaders who are defined primarily by their inherited wealth.

Question 25

The incremental method is generally preferred in times of crisis, when profound change is required.

Question 26

The public choice model is the approach preferred by this text.

Question 27

Agenda setting is the first step in the policy process.

Question 28

The latent group of Americans is composed of those who chose not to vote.

Question 29

A model must be capable of being tested to be of use.

Question 30

The rational model is based primarily on the dollar value of implementing a program.