Question 1

Public policy is an intentional course of action followed by a government institution or official that includes, but is not limited to making laws and is defined in terms of
A) negative spillover effects
B) civil issues
C) problems of government
D) a common goal or purpose

Accepted Answer

Public policy is defined by a common goal or purpose that a government institution or official seeks to achieve, such as providing public goods or addressing social problems. While negative spillover effects, civil issues, and problems of government may all be factors that public policy seeks to address, they do not fully define what public policy is. Public policy is defined as an intentional course of action pursued by a government institution or official. It is driven by a common goal or purpose and not limited to making laws. Therefore, option D is the best choice as it captures the essence of public policy.

Question 2

The growth of public policy is primarily
A) due to politics
B) because of increased prosperity
C) a consequence of modernization
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

The three pre-policy stages are
A) (1) public protests, (2) congressional inquiry, and (3) committee report
B) (1) problem definition, (2) policy demands, and (3) agenda formation
C) (1) policy evaluation, (2) goal setting, and (3) cost-benefit analysis
D) (1) policy demands, (2) agenda formation, and (3) problem definition

Accepted Answer

The three pre-policy stages are problem definition, policy demands, and agenda formation. These stages involve identifying a social issue or problem, defining the problem, and creating a political demand for action. The agenda is then set by policymakers based on the demands and the perceived importance of the issue. This process ultimately leads to the development of a policy to address the problem. The three pre-policy stages are problem definition, policy demands, and agenda formation. These stages involve identifying and defining a problem, then creating demands for a policy solution to that problem, and finally organizing those demands into an agenda that can be addressed by policymakers.

Question 4

Public policy is defined by three necessary qualifications. Which of the following is NOT a necessary qualification?
A) that official actions be sanctioned by law or accepted custom
B) Laws or official regulation should not be mistaken for the whole realm of policy
C) policy always meets intended goals
D) intentional course of action includes decisions made not to take a certain action

Accepted Answer

The statement "policy always meets intended goals" is not a necessary qualification of public policy as policies can have unintended consequences, and it is often difficult to accurately predict the outcomes of policy decisions. The other three options, that official actions be sanctioned by law or accepted custom, that laws or official regulation should not be mistaken for the whole realm of policy, and that intentional course of action includes decisions made not to take a certain action, are necessary qualifications of public policy. Policy doesn't always meet intended goals; it's often influenced by external factors and can have unintended consequences. The other three qualifications are necessary for defining public policy.

Question 5

The reason(s) for studying public policy is (are):
A) Theoretical
B) Practical
C) Political
D) All above

Accepted Answer

All the options are valid reasons for studying public policy. Theoretical reasons include understanding the concepts and frameworks underlying public policy. Practical reasons include developing skills in policy analysis and implementation to address real-world problems. Political reasons include understanding the power dynamics and decision-making processes involved in policy creation and implementation. Therefore, all three reasons are important and relevant to studying public policy. Studying public policy is important for theoretical, practical, and political reasons. Theoretical knowledge of public policy enables individuals to understand how policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated. Practical knowledge helps individuals to design and implement effective policies that address real-world problems and issues. Political knowledge is important for individuals who want to participate in the policymaking process or advocate for specific policies. Thus, all of the above reasons are equally important and justify the study of public policy.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT one of the processes involved in changing and terminating policies?
A) executive order
B) agenda setting
C) problem definition
D) evaluation
E) adoption

Accepted Answer

Executive order is a tool used in policy implementation, not in policy change or termination. The other processes listed are commonly involved in changing and terminating policies. Executive order is a tool used to implement policies, but it is not a process involved in changing or terminating policies. The other choices (agenda setting, problem definition, evaluation, and adoption) are all key processes involved in policy change and termination.

Question 7

Which is NOT a reason for the frequent failure of policies to achieve their intended impact is due to
A) no plausible scenario on which the parties can agree
B) no socially acceptable solution exists
C) policies and laws only permit strict interpretations
D) disagreement about what constitute a social or political problem that must be addressed by the policy makers

Accepted Answer

The other options (A, B, D) all relate to disagreements or challenges in determining and agreeing on the problem and potential solutions, whereas option C relates to a more technical limitation in how policies and laws are interpreted and implemented.

Question 8

Public policy is rooted in law and in the authority and coercion associated with law.

Accepted Answer

Public policy is often created through laws and regulations, and the enforcement mechanism for these policies comes from the authority and coercion of law. Public policy, which is a set of principles and decisions adopted by the government to achieve certain goals, is often codified in law or regulations. These laws are enforced through the authority and power of the government to ensure compliance and to achieve the desired outcomes of the policy. Therefore, public policy is rooted in law and the coercion associated with it.

Question 9

Which model of the policy process stresses that many groups and individuals have an influence in the American democratic system?
A) institutional
B) elite
C) rational-comprehensive
D) public choice
E) pluralist

Accepted Answer

The pluralist model of the policy process emphasizes the existence of multiple groups and individuals who have different interests and resources, and who compete for access to decision-making processes in order to influence policy outcomes. This view assumes that no single group can dominate the policy process, and that compromises and negotiations must take place among different actors in order to achieve policy outcomes that reflect the diversity of interests and values in society. The pluralist model of the policy process emphasizes that many groups and individuals have a say in the democratic process and policymaking, rather than just a select elite or institutional actors. This model suggests that policymaking involves bargaining and compromise among different interest groups, rather than a rational-comprehensive decision-making process or a public choice model based on individual preferences.

Question 10

Observable and measurable results of policy implementation are known as
A) spillover effects
B) policy outputs
C) policy impacts
D) policy outcomes

Accepted Answer

The answer of Observable and measurable results of policy implementation...

Question 11

Three reasons for studying public policy are:
A) policy adoption, implementation, analysis
B) policy advocacy, analysis, implementation
C) theoretical, practical, political
D) theoretical, analytical, political

Accepted Answer

The answer of Three reasons for studying public policy are:
A)...

Question 12

Which one of the following is NOT a stage in the prepolicy process?
A) problem definition
B) policy demands
C) policy adoption
D) agenda formation

Accepted Answer

The stages in the prepolicy process are problem definition, agenda formation, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation. Policy demands refer to the pressure from different groups or individuals to address a particular issue, which is generally considered as a part of the agenda formation stage. Policy adoption is one of the key stages after policy formulation, where the proposed policy is accepted or rejected by the concerned authorities.

Question 13

Policy advocacy is concerned with
A) how and why policy is proposed, adopted, and implemented
B) assessing the success and failure of policy
C) examining policy issues and alternatives in order to determine the best course of action
D) discovering the attitudes, beliefs and values of a particular group in society

Accepted Answer

The answer of Policy advocacy is concerned with
A) how and...

Question 14

Policy analysis is concerned mainly with
A) describing all details of government programs.
B) discovery and recommendation of the best course of action.
C) describing and explaining policies and their impact.
D) problem definition or issue formation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Policy analysis is concerned mainly with
A) describing...

Question 15

Evaluation of public policy must include _____________.
A) normative dimensions
B) empirical dimensions
C) both normative and empirical dimensions
D) no normative or empirical dimensions

Accepted Answer

Evaluation of public policy must include both normative and empirical dimensions. Normative dimensions refer to the ethical or moral considerations involved in the policy, while empirical dimensions refer to the measurable outcomes and effectiveness of the policy. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of public policy requires both normative and empirical dimensions. Public policy evaluation must consider both normative (relating to values and ethics) and empirical (based on facts and data) dimensions. Normative dimensions include assessing whether the policy aligns with societal values and principles, while empirical dimensions involve evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the policy based on evidence and analysis. By considering both dimensions, policymakers and evaluators can make informed decisions and judgments on the policy's success and potential improvements. Answer D is not applicable as public policy evaluation should consider normative and empirical dimensions.

Question 16

Which is NOT a distinct stage of the policy process?
A) direct cost
B) agenda formation
C) policy adoption
D) policy implementation

Accepted Answer

Direct cost is not a stage of the policy process, it is a concept related to the financial costs associated with policy implementation or other activities. The distinct stages of the policy process are agenda formation, policy adoption, policy implementation, and policy evaluation. Direct cost refers to the monetary expenses incurred during the policy implementation stage and is not considered a distinct stage of the policy process. Agenda formation, policy adoption, and policy implementation are the three main stages of the policy process.

Question 17

Policy demands refers to how
A) some issues are placed on the policy agenda.
B) direct costs are measured.
C) policy is implemented
D) none of the above
E) all of the above

Accepted Answer

Policy demands specifically refer to how certain issues are placed on the policy agenda. It does not refer to the measurement of direct costs or the implementation of policy, as those are separate aspects of the policy-making process. Therefore, the best choice is A. Policy demands refer to the factors or conditions that lead to the inclusion of some issues on the policy agenda. It is about the pressure or public demands that influence policymakers to take action on certain issues. On the other hand, direct costs refer to the monetary expenses incurred in implementing policies, while policy implementation refers to the actual process of executing policies. Therefore, options B, C, D, and E are incorrect.

Question 18

An intentional course of action followed by a government institution or official for resolving an issue of public concern is called
A) Public policy
B) Policy analysis
C) Policy advocacy
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Public policy is the deliberate course of action taken by government officials to address a public issue or concern. Policy analysis is the process of evaluating potential policy options and their likely outcomes. Policy advocacy involves actively promoting a particular policy solution or engaging in efforts to shape public policy. While all of these concepts are related, the term "public policy" specifically refers to the intentional course of action taken by government officials or institutions to address a public issue or concern. Public policy refers to a course of action that a government or a public institution takes to address a public issue. Policy analysis is a process of evaluating existing policies or proposed policies to determine their effectiveness, while policy advocacy refers to the efforts of individuals or groups to influence policymakers to adopt certain policies. Therefore, the best answer is A, as it encompasses the concept of intentional action taken by a government or an official to address a public concern.

Question 19

The consequences of policy, both intended and unintended, on the policy's target population are its
A) direct impact
B) direct cost
C) short-term effect
D) indirect impact

Accepted Answer

The direct impact of policy refers to the intended and unintended consequences that directly affect the policy's target population. This includes both positive and negative effects, such as increased access to services or negative impacts on employment opportunities. Direct cost is related to the financial impact of policy, short-term effect refers to the immediate impact of policy, and indirect impact refers to the secondary effects of policy that affect other populations or systems.

Question 20

_____________ are the stated goals of a given policy.
A) Unintended impacts
B) Externalities
C) Intended impacts
D) Spillover effects
E) Benefits

Accepted Answer

Intended impacts are the stated goals of a policy, i.e. what the policy is designed to achieve. Unintended impacts, externalities, spillover effects, and benefits may also result from a policy, but they are not the specific goals that were intended to be achieved by the policy.

Quiz 1: Public Policy: an Introduction

Public policy is an intentional course of action followed by a government institution or official that includes, but is not limited to making laws and is defined in terms of

The growth of public policy is primarily

The three pre-policy stages are

Public policy is defined by three necessary qualifications. Which of the following is NOT a necessary qualification?

The reason(s) for studying public policy is (are) :

Which of the following is NOT one of the processes involved in changing and terminating policies?

Which is NOT a reason for the frequent failure of policies to achieve their intended impact is due to

Public policy is rooted in law and in the authority and coercion associated with law.

Which model of the policy process stresses that many groups and individuals have an influence in the American democratic system?

Observable and measurable results of policy implementation are known as

Three reasons for studying public policy are:

Which one of the following is NOT a stage in the prepolicy process?

Policy advocacy is concerned with

Policy analysis is concerned mainly with

Evaluation of public policy must include _____________.

Which is NOT a distinct stage of the policy process?

Policy demands refers to how

An intentional course of action followed by a government institution or official for resolving an issue of public concern is called

The consequences of policy, both intended and unintended, on the policy's target population are its

_____________ are the stated goals of a given policy.