Question 1

K-Street Lobbyists typically try to influence policy development by maximizing objective public evaluation of their ideas.

Accepted Answer

K-Street lobbyists often aim to influence policy development by advocating for the interests of their clients, which may involve subjective arguments and strategic persuasion rather than solely relying on objective public evaluation of their ideas.

Question 2

NEPA requires an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for every

Accepted Answer

NEPA requires an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for federal projects that have significant consequences for environmental quality, ensuring that potential impacts are considered before project approval.

Question 3

Conservationists regard which of the following as their most powerful tool in protecting environmental quality?

Accepted Answer

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is widely regarded by conservationists as their most powerful tool in protecting environmental quality because it has strong legal provisions for the protection of species that are threatened or endangered, which can lead to significant conservation actions and habitat protections.

Question 4

One of NEPA's major failures is that it does not require federal agencies to evaluate environmental consequences in their decision-making process.

Accepted Answer

NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) specifically requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions.

Question 5

Groups and individuals can attempt to persuade legislators to vote in a certain way via lobbying.

Accepted Answer

Lobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies, by individuals, groups, or organizations.

Question 6

Much of the U.S. federal regulatory structure set up in the 1970's to protect the environment has been enforced by subsequent presidents.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Much of the U.S. federal regulatory structure...

Question 7

A president's decision to require sport utility vehicles to meet the same emission standards as passenger cars would illustrate

Accepted Answer

Administrative law involves regulations and decisions made by administrative agencies, such as a president's executive actions or decisions, including setting emission standards for vehicles.

Question 8

The first judge to hear a case on a certain issue interprets the law, makes a decision, and sets a(n) _______, which will be used as an example in subsequent trials.

Accepted Answer

The correct term is "precedent." A precedent is a legal decision or form of proceeding serving as an authoritative rule or pattern in future similar or analogous cases.

Question 9

A legislative rider is

Accepted Answer

A legislative rider is a provision added to a bill that may not be related to the bill's main topic. Riders are often used to pass controversial amendments that might not pass on their own merit by attaching them to a bill that is likely to be approved.

Question 10

Your instructor has an open door policy for office hours. This is an example of a(n) _____ type of policy.

Accepted Answer

An open door policy for office hours is considered an informal policy because it is based on a more casual, less structured approach to communication and accessibility, rather than formal rules or schedules.

Question 11

SLAPP suits are designed to

Accepted Answer

SLAPP suits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) are intended to intimidate and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.

Question 12

The right of a person or group to participate in a court trial is known as standing.

Accepted Answer

Standing refers to the legal right of a person or group to initiate a lawsuit, challenge a statute, or undertake a legal action in court, based on their sufficient connection to and harm from the law or action challenged.

Question 13

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that corporations can

Accepted Answer

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that corporations can spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns, arguing that such spending is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment. This decision allowed corporations to spend freely to influence elections and public policy.

Question 14

Criticisms of the rational cost-benefit analysis model of determining policy include concerns that

Accepted Answer

The rational cost-benefit analysis model often struggles to validly compare many conflicting needs, as it attempts to quantify and compare diverse and sometimes intangible factors, which can be inherently subjective and difficult to measure.

Question 15

In a landmark case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Sierra Club could not represent the environment in a lawsuit because it failed to show how the club's members (not the environment) would be materially affected.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Supreme Court in Sierra Club v. Morton (1972) ruled that the Sierra Club did not have standing to sue because it failed to demonstrate that its members were sufficiently affected by the development it was challenging, emphasizing the need for a direct, personal stake in the outcome.

Question 16

After problem identification, the chronology of events in the policy development cycle is

Accepted Answer

The correct sequence in the policy development cycle after identifying a problem is to first develop proposals for how to address the issue. Next, it's important to build support for these proposals among stakeholders and decision-makers to ensure there is enough backing for the proposals to be enacted into law. Once the law is enacted, the final step is to implement the policy, putting the new law into action.

Question 17

A 1990 ban by the United States on the import of tuna and shrimp that were caught in nets that also killed dolphins and sea turtles was

Accepted Answer

The answer of A 1990 ban by the United States...

Question 18

You bought insurance and your agent hands you a policy. This is an example of a(n) _____ type of policy.

Accepted Answer

Insurance policies are considered formal documents as they are legal contracts between the insurer and the insured, outlining the terms, conditions, and coverage of the insurance agreement.

Question 19

An effective way to influence a legislator is through personal contact.

Accepted Answer

Personal contact, such as meetings, calls, or personal letters, allows for direct communication of concerns and issues, making it a highly effective way to influence legislators by establishing a personal connection and providing a memorable context for your advocacy.

Question 20

The Superfund Act

Accepted Answer

The Superfund Act, officially known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), was established to fund the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and pollutants. It also establishes liability for parties responsible for the contamination.

Quiz 24: Environmental Policy, Law, and Planning