Question 1

An example of a distributive policy is ______.

Accepted Answer

Farm subsidies are an example of distributive policy because they provide benefits to a specific group, farmers, rather than the general population. These policies are often seen as necessary to ensure the stability and prosperity of certain industries.

Question 2

Pork barrel legislation is an example of a ______ policy.

Accepted Answer

Pork barrel legislation refers to the appropriation of government spending for local projects and programs that benefit a specific district or constituency. The goal is to distribute funds to gain political support from specific groups or regions.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a reason why solving public problems can be difficult?

Accepted Answer

While it is true that not all people may be interested in solving public problems, this is not the primary reason why solving public problems can be difficult. The other options listed (B, C, D, and E) all highlight important challenges in solving public problems.

Question 4

Distributive policies can be problematic because they ______.

Accepted Answer

Distributive policies involve government spending to benefit specific groups or individuals. While these policies may be popular with the beneficiaries, they can lead to wasteful spending if not properly targeted and implemented. Additionally, distributive policies may not be cost-effective in the long-term and may place a burden on taxpayers.

Question 5

An example of a redistributive policy is ______.

Accepted Answer

Medicaid is a redistributive policy because it involves taking tax money from wealthier individuals and using it to provide healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and families. It is designed to redistribute resources to the less fortunate and create a more equal society. Trade policy, corporate welfare, environmental policy, and farm subsidies are not necessarily redistributive policies.

Question 6

Redistributive policies are relatively rare because ______.

Accepted Answer

Redistributive policies are rare because those who must pay for them are typically better equipped to fight political battles than the potential beneficiaries. This can create a political climate where redistributive policies are difficult to pass or sustain.

Question 7

Corporate welfare is an example of a ______.

Accepted Answer

Corporate welfare refers to government policies that provide financial incentives or benefits to corporations, encouraging certain behaviors such as investment or job creation.

Question 8

The creation of a regulation by a bureaucratic agency would be an example of ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The creation of a regulation by a...

Question 9

You can find the wealth of rules and regulations that make up American public policy in the ______.

Accepted Answer

The Federal Register is a daily publication that contains all proposed and final rules and regulations from federal agencies, as well as other government documents that are required to be published by law. It is the primary source for tracking and understanding American public policy.

Question 10

Regulatory policy differs from other public policies in that it ______.

Accepted Answer

Regulatory policy seeks to restrict or regulate behavior in certain areas such as the environment, workplace safety, or consumer protection. It is not necessarily more costly than other public policies, and its support or opposition is not limited to one political party. While it is funded by taxpayers, it is also often funded by the industries or businesses being regulated. Thus, the most distinct characteristic of regulatory policy is its aim to restrict behavior.

Question 11

The politics surrounding the creation of regulatory policies are ______.

Accepted Answer

The creation of regulatory policies often leads to confrontations between different interest groups and political parties.

Question 12

The second step in the policy process is ______.

Accepted Answer

The second step in the policy process is policy formulation, in which policymakers develop potential policy options to address a particular issue or problem. After identifying an issue through agenda setting, policymakers engage in policy formulation to explore different approaches to address the issue. Only when policy options are formulated, can policymakers move on to the third step of the policy process, which is policy adoption.

Question 13

Distributive policies are popular because ______.

Accepted Answer

Distributive policies are popular because their costs are usually spread among all taxpayers, and the benefits go to a specific group who knows they are benefitting. This makes it less likely for taxpayers to notice the costs and more likely for the beneficiaries to support the policy.

Question 14

Public policy can be defined as a(n)______.

Accepted Answer

Public policy refers to a government plan of action designed to solve a social problem, such as healthcare, transportation, education, or security. It involves making decisions and taking actions by the government at local, state, or national levels to address public needs and interests. Public policy can be formulated and implemented by legislative, executive, or judicial branches of government, or by a combination of them.

Question 15

Government agencies have their largest role in policy ______.

Accepted Answer

Government agencies have the responsibility to implement policies that have been formulated and adopted, but their role in agenda setting, formulation, and evaluation is limited.

Question 16

Which of the following pairs correctly matches a type of policy with a specific case of that type?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following pairs correctly matches...

Question 17

The bureaucracy makes policy through ______.

Accepted Answer

Bureaucracies make policy primarily through their power to regulate, as they are tasked with implementing and enforcing the rules and regulations set forth by legislation.

Question 18

Policy implementation is more likely to be successful if all but which of the following conditions is present?

Accepted Answer

The presence of federal, state, and local governments involved in policy implementation can actually complicate matters and make it harder for successful implementation. Coordination and communication may be more difficult, leading to potential conflicts and inefficiencies.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of redistributive policy?

Accepted Answer

Head Start is an example of a redistributive policy because it provides resources and support to disadvantaged families and children, with the aim of reducing inequality in early childhood education and development outcomes. The other options listed are all examples of regulatory or funding policies, but they do not directly address income or wealth inequality in the same way that a redistributive policy would.

Question 20

Which of the following would be an example of a triggering event?

Accepted Answer

The Enron scandal is a specific event that triggered significant changes in corporate governance and accounting practices.

Quiz 16: Social and Environmental Policy