Test Bank for Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition

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1CHAPTER 1POLICY ANALYSIS: WHAT GOVERNMENTS DO, WHY THEY DO IT, ANDWHAT DIFFERENCE IT MAKESCHAPTER OUTLINE AND SUMMARYI. What Is Public Policy?A.Public policy examines what governments do, why they do it, and what difference itmakes.B.Definition of PolicyPublic policy is defined as what governments chose to do or chose not to do.C.Policy Expansion and Government GrowthThe size of government can be measured in relation to the size of the economy. Asgovernment has grown in the last century, the scope of public policy has also expanded.D.Scope of Public PolicyThe scope of public policy is reflected in government spending but also includesregulatory activities whose costs are not shown in government budgets.II. Why Study Public Policy?A.Political science goes beyond an understanding of governmental institutions and processes.It also includes public policy, which focuses on the causes and consequences ofgovernment actions.III. What Can Be Learned from Policy Analysis?Policy analysis is finding out what governments do, why they do it, and what difference, ifany, it makes.A.DescriptionThe first step of policy analysis consists of careful description of current policy.B.CausesHaving described the components of a given public policy, policy analysis then moves tothose factors that impact public policy.C.ConsequencesFinally, policy analysis includes an examination of the effects of public policy.IV. Policy Analysis and Policy AdvocacyA.Policy analysis is contrasted with policy advocacy: policy analysis seeks to explain,while policy advocacy prescribes actions. Policy analysis is a prerequisite to advocacy.V. Policy Analysis and the Quest for Solutions to America’s Problems

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2Policy analysis should not assume that all of America’s problems can be solved. There aremany reasons for this:A.Limits on Government PowerGovernments are constrained by many social forces—family, class structure, religion,and so forth. Many of society’s problems are intractable.B.Disagreement over the ProblemWhere no consensus exists concerning a problem, the search for a public policyanswer is greatly hampered.C.Subjectivity in InterpretationValues inevitably come into play in the interpretation of research.D.Limitations on Design of Human ResearchResearch in the social sciences is fraught with limitations and difficulties, simplybecause human subjects are involved.E.Complexity of Human BehaviorThe behavior of groups and even individuals is so complex that social scientists areunable to make accurate predictions about the impact of proposed policies.VI. Policy Analysis as Art and CraftPolicy analysis is both an art—requiring insight and creativity—and a craft— requiringknowledge of applied sciences. Aaron Wildavsky was firm in asserting that no one modelcan be used, and no model of choice will be presented in this text.TEACHING OBJECTIVES1.Define public policy and its scope2.Explain the need to study public policy3.Classify three learning’s from policy analysis4.Distinguish between policy analysis and policy advocacy5.Evaluate policy analysis as a solution to America's problems6.Explain why policy analysis is both an art and a craftDISCUSSION QUESTIONS1.Consider the use of government spending as a measure of what governments do andtheir priorities. What other measures might replace or complement this one?2.Taking any governmental body, discuss what could be learned about it through policyanalysis.3.Compare the approaches of “traditional” and “behavioral” political science, usingspecific examples, such as education or transportation policy.4.Apply the three-way relationship between public policy and its causes and outcomespictured on page eight to a current public policy question.5.How can policy analysts overcome some of the problems inherent in policy analysis?

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3LECTURE LAUNCHERS1.Begin with the text’s question “Why study public policy?” and solicit studentresponses, leading into an examination of the possibilities and limitations of formingpublic policy.2.Using a policy institute—for instance the Brookings Institution or the HeritageFoundation—use the institute to begin a lecture focusing on the functions of publicpolicy analysis, policy formation, and policy advocacy.3.Use an historical example—such as the Tea Act of 1773—that had egregiousunintended consequences. Begin with an examination of the difficulties of publicpolicy.MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS1.According to the text, __________ is a common indicator of governmental functions andpriorities.a.policy advocacyb.government spendingc.regulatory activityd.policy analysisCorrect Answer: bLO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understand2.Government’s responsibilities have generallya.grown in recent years.b.Constricted in recent years.c.stayed about the same in recent years.d.varied greatly in recent years.Correct Answer: a,LO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understand3.Governmental growth during the twentieth century may be attributed to all BUTWHICH of the following?a.World War I and World War IIb.the Great Depression

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4c.massive immigrationd.Great Society programsCorrect Answer: cLO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understand4.Total government spending (state, local, and federal) currently accounts for aboutwhat percentage of the gross domestic product?a.37b.25c.45d.15Correct Answer: aLO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understand5.The most expensive undertaking of the federal government isa.education.b.national defense.c.Social Security and Medicare.d.interest on the national debt.Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understand6.The most expensive undertaking of state and local governments isa.highways.b.education.c.national defense.d.welfare.Correct Answer: bLO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: Easy

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5Skill Level: Understand7.The study of politics is the study ofa.causes of government activity.b.who gets what, when, and how.c.the institutional structure of government.d.the consequences of societal policies.Correct Answer: bLO#/text: 1.2: Explain the need to study public policyTopic/Concept: Why Study Pubic Policy?Difficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Understanding8.The study of public policy focuses on governmentala.structure.b.theory.c.activity.d.institutional history.Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 1.2: Explain the need to study public policyTopic/Concept: Why Study Pubic Policy?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding9.Studying what the Civil Rights Act of 1964 actually says about discrimination inemployment is an example of policya.description.b.advocacy.c.implementation.d.evaluation.Correct Answer: aLO#/text: 1.3: Classify three learnings from policy analysisTopic/Concept: What Can Be Learned from Policy Analysis?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding10.When we ask why public policy is what it is, we are looking at thea.effects.b.evaluations.c.causes.d.descriptions.

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6Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 1.3: Classify three learnings from policy analysisTopic/Concept: What Can Be Learned from Policy Analysis?Difficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Understand11.Examining the consequences of public policy is often referred to as policya.advocacy.b.evaluation.c.analysis.d.description.Correct Answer: bLO#/text: 1.3: Classify three learnings from policy analysisTopic/Concept: What Can Be Learned from Policy Analysis?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding12.When using test scores to measure the impact of education policy, we are taking part ina.policy analysis.b.policy evaluation.c.policy description.d.behavioral science.Correct Answer: bLO#/text: 1.3: Classify three learnings from policy analysisTopic/Concept: What Can Be Learned from Policy Analysis?Difficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply13.Prescribing a direction in public policy is referred to asa.agenda setting.b.policy advocacy.c.policy evaluation.d.policy analysis.Correct Answer: bLO#/text: 1.4: Distinguish between policy analysis and policy advocacyTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and Policy AdvocacyDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding

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714.The work of a policy analyst includes all of the following excepta.rigorous examination of the causes of public policy.b.systematic examination of the impact of public policy.c.prescribing policy preferences.d.scientifically studying public policy.Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 1.4: Distinguish between policy analysis and policy advocacyTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and Policy AdvocacyDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply15.Which of these would typically be the work of a policy advocate, but not a policyanalyst?a.explanationb.prescriptionc.researchd.modelingCorrect Answer: bLO#/text: 1.4: Distinguish between policy analysis and policy advocacyTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and Policy AdvocacyDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply16.Policy _________ requires the skills of rhetoric, persuasion, organization, and activism.a.analysisb.evaluationc.advocacyd.expansionCorrect Answer: cLO#/text: 1.4: Distinguish between policy analysis and policy advocacyTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and Policy AdvocacyDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding17.One problem that researchers have in their attempt to find solutions for publicproblems is a(n)a.inability to quantify data.b.lack of understanding of the scientific method.c.disagreement about what the problems are.d.lack of understanding of the social and economic environment.

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8Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 1.5: Evaluate policy analysis as a solution to America's problemsTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and the Quest for Solutions to America’s ProblemsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding18.In scientific terms, when we study the causes of public policy, policies become the________variables and their determinants become the _________ variablesa.evaluation; recommendationb.independent; dependentc.cause; consequencesd.dependent; independentCorrect Answer: dLO#/text: 1.5: Evaluate policy analysis as a solution to America's problemsTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and the Quest for Solutions to America’s ProblemsDifficulty Level: MediumSkill Level: Apply19.The most serious reservation about policy analysis is the inability to make accuratepredictions because ofa.lack of accurate data.b.The complexity of human behavior.c.value conflicts among researchers.d.the Hawthorne effect.Correct Answer: bLO#/text: 1.5: Evaluate policy analysis as a solution to America's problemsTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and the Quest for Solutions to America’s ProblemsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding20.Policy analysis is an art and a craft. It is an art because of the need fora.specialist knowledge of economics.b.knowledge of public administration.c.creativity in dealing with public issues.d.statistical expertise.Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 1.6: Explain why policy analysis is both an art and a craftTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis as Art and CraftDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding

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9TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS1.Public policy focuses on support for legislation and other government actions.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding2.The Great Society resulted in a dramatic shrinking in the size of the U.S. government.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding3.Gross domestic product is a common measure indicating a government’s size.Correct Answer: TrueLO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: MediumSkill Level: Apply4.“Traditional” political science centers on behaviors such as voting and lobbying.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 1.2: Explain the need to study public policyTopic/Concept: Why Study Public Policy?Difficulty Level: MediumSkill Level: Apply5.The study of public policy is an aspect of political science.Correct Answer: TrueLO#/text: 1.2: Explain the need to study public policyTopic/Concept: Why Study Public Policy?Difficulty Level: MediumSkill Level: Apply6.An examination of the impact of economic policies on the president’s popularity is anexample of policy description.

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10Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 1.3: Classify three learning’s from policy analysisTopic/Concept: What Can Be Learned from Policy Analysis?Difficulty Level: MediumSkill Level: Apply7.When we study the consequences of public policy, the impacts on society are theindependent variables.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 1.3: Classify three learning’s from policy analysisTopic/Concept: What Can Be Learned from Policy Analysis?Difficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply8.Policy advocacy is essentially persuasion in favor of a given public policy.Correct Answer: TrueLO#/text: 1.4: Distinguish between policy analysis and policy advocacyTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and Policy AdvocacyDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding9.Policy analysis can be used to put an end to differences in values.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 1.5: Evaluate policy analysis as a solution to America's problemsTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and the Quest for Solutions to America’s ProblemsDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply10.Measurement of test results as a consequence of the No Child Left Behind Act is anexample of the art of understanding the causes of public policy.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 1.6: Explain why policy analysis is both an art and a craftTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis as Art and CraftDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply

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11ESSAY QUESTIONS1.Understanding public policy is both an art and a craft. Provide a public policy scenario—actual or imagined—and illustrate how these two modes of thought might providesolutions.LO#/text: 1.6: Explain why policy analysis is both an art and a craftTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis as Art and CraftDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Analyze2.Policy analysis is finding out what governments do, why they do it, and whatdifference it makes. Choose a governmental entity—such as the Department of theInterior—and outline what you would hope to learn about it from policy analysis.LO#/text: 1.3: Classify three learnings from policy analysisTopic/Concept: What Can Be Learned from Policy Analysis?Difficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply3.What overlap, if any, exists between the tasks of the policy analyst and the policyadvocate?LO#/text: 1.4: Distinguish between policy analysis and policy advocacyTopic/Concept: Policy Analysis and Policy AdvocacyDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply4.Why study public policy?LO#/text: 1.2: Explain the need to study public policyTopic/Concept: Why Study Public Policy?Difficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply5.Evaluate the use of government spending as an indicator of priorities.LO#/text: 1.1: Define public policy and its scopeTopic/Concept: What Is Public Policy?Difficulty Level: DifficultSkill Level: Evaluate

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12WEBSITESOffice of the President. White House home page, with president’s policy positions,speeches, press releases, etc.www.whitehouse.govU.S. House of Representatives. Official House Website, with links to individual Housemembers’ Websites.www.house.govU.S. Senate. Official Senate Website, with links to individual senators’ Websites.www.senate.govU.S. Congress on the Internet.Library of Congress Thomas search engine for finding billsand tracing their progress through Congress.http://thomas.loc.govU.S. Census Bureau. The official site of the Census Bureau, with access to all currentreports—population, income and poverty, government finances, etc.www.census.govFirst Gov. U.S. government’s official portal to all independent agencies and governmentcorporations.www.firstgov.govFederal Judiciary. U.S. judiciary official site, with links to all federal courts.www.uscourts.govLibrary of Congress. Compilation of the laws of the United States.http://thomas.loc.gov

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13CHAPTER 2MODELS OF POLITICS: SOME HELP IN THINKING ABOUT PUBLIC POLICYCHAPTER OUTLINE AND SUMMARYI.Models for Policy AnalysisModels represent simplified versions of reality, to aid comprehension.A.Uses of ModelsAll of the models used in this text are conceptual models.B.Selected Policy ModelsNo one model is superior to the others, each being useful in a variety of settings.II.Process: Policy as Political ActivityThe six-part policy process applies generally to all policymaking, beginning with problemidentification and ending with policy evaluation.III.Institutionalism: Policy as Institutional OutputGovernment institutions have long been a central focus of political science. Governmentinstitutions are important as they are the means by which solutions to policy issuesbecome public policy. Though the Constitution provides the basic framework forgovernment institutions, considerable change has occurred since its adoption.IV.Rationalism: Policy as Maximum Social GainThe idea of “maximum social gain” assumes that the costs of any policy will be less thanthe gains achieved and that the policy producing the greatest benefit should always bechosen. The rational policy approach also assumes that it is possible to identify what anentire society wants. The difficulties in this approach mean that it is rarely used.V.Incrementalism: Policy as Variations on the PastPosited as a response to the rational model of policymaking, incrementalism uses thestatus quo as a basis for modifications. This approach assumes that comprehensive changeis not practical and that incremental change is more easily achieved. However,incrementalism is less viable in crisis situations.VI.Group Theory: Policy as Equilibrium in the Group StruggleGroup theory assumes that the interests and actions of groups are central in politics, and itsees public policy as the equilibrium achieved by struggle among influential groups. Theapproach includes the notion that equilibrium is maintained by a latent group composed ofmost Americans, by overlapping group membership, and by checks and balances producedby competition among groups.VII.Elite Theory: Policy as Elite PreferenceThe elite theory assumes that the masses are apathetic and that public policy reflects thewants and beliefs of the elite.

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14VIII.Public Choice Theory: Policy as Collective Decision Making by Self-InterestedIndividualsPublic choice theory looks at policymaking from an economic point of view, with the ideaof the social contract as one of its key tenets. It assumes that government must providepublic goods and address the issue of externalities when the activities of one actor imposescosts on another.IX.Game Theory: Policy as Rational Choice in Competitive SituationsIn this theory, players make interdependent choices, using brinksmanship anddeterrence to achieve their goals.X.Models: How to Tell If They Are Helping or NotModels are only useful if they help us to understand political life, identify key aspects ofpolicy, mimic reality, communicate concepts in a meaningful way, give means by whichthey can be tested, and hypothesize about the causes and consequences of public policy.A.Order and Simplify RealityModels need to strike a balance between simplifying reality in order to analyzepolitical life and the danger of oversimplifying.B.Identify What Is SignificantA difficult task in applying any model is determining what aspects of public policymust be included.C.Be Congruent with RealityWhile models are only concepts, they must have a relationship with reality.D.Provide Meaningful CommunicationA model is only meaningful if it is based on ideas for which some consensus exists.E.Direct Inquiry and ResearchAny model must be testable and capable of being validated.F.Suggest ExplanationsModels must go beyonddescriptionof public policy toexplication.TEACHING OBJECTIVES1.State the purpose and types of policy models as used in policy analysis 2. Identify thevarious policy models used to analyze the public policy process2.Identify the steps in the process model of policy analysis3.Review public policy as an institutional output4.Indicate the fundamental quality of a rational public policy5.Illustrate the incremental model adopted by policy makers6.Explain how public policy is the equilibrium reached in the group struggle7.Summarize the elite theory of public policy8.Illustrate the public choice theory of policy analysis as a vote-maximizing model9.State the game theory model of policy analysis10.Identify the characteristics of an effective policy or model

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15DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1.Considering their shortcomings, why do policy analysts rely on models?2.Do all policy models share certain limitations? What are these?3.What elements of American political culture are reflected in the various models discussedin this chapter?4.Which of these models seem most in conflict with another model or models? Which seemmost compatible?5.Assign pairs of models to different groups, and have each group compare the two models,considering underlying assumptions, applications, strengths, and weaknesses. Have eachgroup report their findings as a basis for a general discussion.LECTURE LAUNCHERS1.Beginning with institutionalism, structure a lecture chronologically, considering differentmodels as responses to both earlier models and to broader intellectual trends.2.Taking a major policy area, begin by applying two sharply contrasting models to theissue, highlighting the differences in the two models. Focus the lecture on the element ofchoice exercised by analysts in using different models.3.Structure a lecture around one policy area, and examine each model in relation to thatpolicy area, inviting student participation in a discussion of the appropriateness of eachmodel.MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS1.Models are used for all of the following reasons except toa.simplify our thinking about public policy.b.suggest explanations for public policy.c.evaluate the morality of different policies.d.identify important aspects of policy problems.Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 2.1: State the purpose and types of policy models as used in policy analysisTopic/Concept: Models for Policy AnalysisDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding2.Those that focus on the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial)when studying public policy would be primarily interested in the ________ model.a.institutionalb.game theoryc.public choiced.rational

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16Correct Answer: aLO#/text: 2.1: State the purpose and types of policy models as used in policy analysisTopic/Concept: Models for Policy AnalysisDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding3.________ is the distribution of money and power among federal, state, and localgovernments.a.Federalismb.Policy formulationc.Incrementalismd.Policy legitimationCorrect Answer: aLO#/text: 2.3: Review public policy as an institutional outputTopic/Concept: Institutionalism: Policy as Institutional OutputDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding4.Which of the following is not part of the policy process?a.agenda settingb.policy evaluationc.problem identificationd.policy inputCorrect Answer: dLO#/text: 2.2: Identify the steps in the process model of policy analysisTopic/Concept: Process: Policy as Political ActivityDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding5.Which of the following has long been a central focus of political science?a.game theoryb.public choice modelc.government institutionsd.rational modelCorrect Answer: cLO#/text: 2.3: Review public policy as an institutional outputTopic/Concept: Institutionalism: Policy as Institutional OutputDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply

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176.“Maximum social gain” is most associated with the ________ model.a.institutionalb.rationalc.elited.groupCorrect Answer: bLO#/text: 2.4: Indicate the fundamental quality of a rational public policyTopic/Concept: Rationalism: Policy as Maximum Social GainDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding7.To make a rational policy decision, policymakers musta.choose a policy based only on its benefits.b.assess a policy based only on its costs.c.choose a policy with the greatest advantage.d.weigh benefits against costs.Correct Answer: dLO#/text: 2.4: Indicate the fundamental quality of a rational public policyTopic/Concept: Rationalism: Policy as Maximum Social GainDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding8.Incrementalism views public policy as thea.product of group conflict.b.desire of the elites.c.continuation of past policies.d.most cost-effective alternative.Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 2.5: Illustrate the incremental model adopted by policy makersTopic/Concept: Incrementalism: Policy as Variations on the PastDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding9.Which of these models is least likely to propose entirely new programs and policies?a.rational modelb.group modelc.game theory modeld.incremental modelCorrect Answer: dLO#/text: 2.5: Illustrate the incremental model adopted by policy makers

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18Topic/Concept: Incrementalism: Policy as Variations on the PastDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding10.Thelatent groupin American society is comprised of those thata.generally support the political system.b.refuse to vote.c.are known as the elite.d.monopolize public power.Correct Answer: aLO#/text: 2.6: Explain how public policy is the equilibrium reached in the group struggleTopic/Concept: Group Theory: Policy as Equilibrium in the Group StruggleDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding11.Group theory views public policy asa.the balance that is achieved between competing interests.b.the desires of the elites.c.the continuation of past policies.d.incremental in nature.Correct Answer: aLO#/text: 2.6: Explain how public policy is the equilibrium reached in the group struggleTopic/Concept: Group Theory: Policy as Equilibrium in the Group StruggleDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding12.Elite theory maintains thata.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 non elites to elite positions should be as rapid as possible.d.elites share a consensus on the need to preserve the system.Correct Answer: dLO#/text: 2.7: Summarize the elite theory of public policyTopic/Concept: Elite Theory: Policy as Elite PreferenceDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding13.Elitism views the masses as largelya.passive, apathetic, and ill-informed.b.active, positive, and well-informed.c.fundamentally uncontrollable.

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19d.maintaining a direct influence over the decision-making behavior of elites.Correct Answer: aLO#/text: 2.7: Summarize the elite theory of public policyTopic/Concept: Elite Theory: Policy as Elite PreferenceDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding14.Public choice theory views policy asa.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 choices made in competitive situations.Correct Answer: aLO#/text: 2.8: Illustrate the public choice theory of policy analysis as a vote-maximizingmodelTopic/Concept: Public Choice Theory: Policy as Collective Decision Making by Self-Interested IndividualsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding15.As opposed to elite and group theory, public choice theory focuses ona.individuals.b.large groups.c.voters.d.legislators.Correct Answer: aLO#/text: 2.8: Illustrate the public choice theory of policy analysis as a vote-maximizingmodelTopic/Concept: Public Choice Theory: Policy as Collective Decision Making by Self-Interested IndividualsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding16.Public choice theorya.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 policyalternatives.d.does not examine the economic cost of externalities.Correct Answer: c

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20LO#/text: 2.8: Illustrate the public choice theory of policy analysis as a vote-maximizingmodelTopic/Concept: Public Choice Theory: Policy as Collective Decision Making by Self-Interested IndividualsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding17.In public choice theory, ________ occur when one actor or group imposes costs onothers without compensation.a.group conflictsb.rational choicesc.externalitiesd.deterrentsCorrect Answer: cLO#/text: 2.8: Illustrate the public choice theory of policy analysis as a vote-maximizingmodelTopic/Concept: Public Choice Theory: Policy as Collective Decision Making by Self-Interested IndividualsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding18.Deterrence isa.a form of elitism.b.effective against an irrational opponent.c.a psychological defense.d.a form of defense based on economic forces.Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 2.9: State the game theory model of policy analysisTopic/Concept: Game Theory: Policy as Rational Choice in Competitive SituationsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding19.The notion of deterrence is an important component ofa.incrementalism.b.systems analysis.c.public choice theory.d.game theory.Correct Answer: dLO#/text: 2.9: State the game theory model of policy analysisTopic/Concept: Game Theory: Policy as Rational Choice in Competitive SituationsDifficulty Level: Easy

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21Skill Level: Understanding20.A useful model should do all of the following EXCEPTa.provide a simplified representation of reality.b.provide explanations for public policy.c.be testable.d.include all aspects of a given policy.Correct Answer: dLO#/text: 2.10: Identify the characteristics of an effective policy or modelTopic/Concept: Models: How to Tell if They Are Helping or NotDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: ApplyTRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS1.The public choice model is the approach preferred by this text.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 2.1: State the purpose and types of policy models as used in policy analysisTopic/Concept: Models for Policy AnalysisDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding2.Agenda setting is the first step in the policy process.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 2.2: Identify the steps in the process model of policy analysisTopic/Concept: Process: Policy as Political ActivityDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding3.The institutional model focuses on governmental structures.Correct Answer: TrueLO#/text: 2.3: Review public policy as an institutional outputTopic/Concept: Institutionalism: Policy as Institutional OutputDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding4.The rational model is based primarily on the dollar value of implementing a program.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 2.4: Indicate the fundamental quality of a rational public policy

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22Topic/Concept: Rationalism: Policy as Maximum Social GainDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Analyze5.The incremental method is generally preferred in times of crisis, when profound change isrequired.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 2.5: Illustrate the incremental model adopted by policy makersTopic/Concept: Incrementalism: Policy as Variations on the PastDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Analyze6.The latent group of Americans is composed of those who choose not to vote.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 2.6: Explain how public policy is the equilibrium reached in the group struggleTopic/Concept: Group Theory: Policy as Equilibrium in the Group StruggleDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding7.The elite model presupposes a small group of leaders who are defined primarily by theirinherited wealth.Correct Answer: FalseLO#/text: 2.7: Summarize the elite theory of public policyTopic/Concept: Elite Theory: Policy as Elite PreferenceDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Analyze8.The public choice model is based largely on the notion of the social contract, a principlecentral to the ideas of the founding fathers.Correct Answer: TrueLO#/text: 2.8: Illustrate the public choice theory of policy analysis as a vote-maximizingmodelTopic/Concept: Public Choice Theory: Policy as Collective Decision Making by Self-Interested IndividualsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding9.When the activities of one group or individual impose costs on others for which there isno compensation, this is an externality.

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23Correct Answer: TrueLO#/text: 2.8: Illustrate the public choice theory of policy analysis as a vote-maximizingmodelTopic/Concept: Public Choice Theory: Policy as Collective Decision Making by Self-Interested IndividualsDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding10.A model must be capable of being tested to be of use.Correct Answer: TrueLO#/text: 2.10: Identify the characteristics of an effective policy or modelTopic/Concept: Models: How to Tell if They Are Helping or NotDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: UnderstandingESSAY QUESTIONS1.When choosing a model to aid in analyzing a given policy, what are the most importantconsiderations, and why?LO#/text: 2.1: State the purpose and types of policy models as used in policy analysisTopic/Concept: Models for Policy AnalysisDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Apply2.Compare and contrast the process and institutional models. What assumptions do theyshare, and how do they differ?LO#/text: 2.2: Identify the steps in the process model of policy analysisTopic/Concept: Process: Policy as Political ActivityDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Analyze3.Chose a public policy area and propose the application of two models to their analysis.What are the strengths and weaknesses of each model in this example? Do the modelscomplement each other in the information they provide?LO#/text: 2.10: Identify the characteristics of an effective policy or modelTopic/Concept: Models: How to Tell if They Are Helping or NotDifficulty Level: ModerateSkill Level: Analyze

Test Bank for Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition - Page 25 preview image

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244.Is the group theory model a form of incrementalism? Explain.LO#/text: 2.5: Illustrate the incremental model adopted by policy makersTopic/Concept: Incrementalism: Policy as Variations on the PastDifficulty Level: DifficultSkill Level: Analyze5.Would game theory be viable without the notion of deterrence? Explain.LO#/text: 2.9: State the game theory model of policy analysisTopic/Concept: Game Theory: Policy as Rational Choice in Competitive SituationsDifficulty Level: DifficultSkill Level: EvaluateWEB SITESAmerican Political Science Association. Home page of academic political scientists’professional organization.www.apsanet.orgPublic Agenda Online. Brief guide to a variety of policy issues, including public opinion surveyson these issues.www.publicagenda.orgPolling Report. Compilation of recent public opinion polls on policy issues, political actors,government institutions, etc.www.pollingreport.comThe Gallup Organization. Home page of the Gallup public opinion organization.www.gallup.comNational Center for Policy Research. Conservative policy research organization, with studies ona variety of policy issues.www.nationalcenter.orgProgressive Policy Institute. Liberal policy research organization, with policy briefs on a varietyof issues.www.ppionline.org

Test Bank for Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition - Page 26 preview image

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25CHAPTER 3THE POLICYMAKING PROCESS: DECISION-MAKING ACTIVITIESCHAPTER OUTLINE AND SUMMARYI.The Policy Process: How Policies Are MadeThe process of policymaking is often the focus of policy studies. Although these areusually broken down into seemingly discrete steps, these processes tend to run into eachother.II.Problem Identification and Agenda SettingWho defines political agendas, and how? Though agenda setting is often seen as a naturalprocess, in fact agendas must be actively formulated and brought to the attention of thepublic and of lawmakers.III.Agenda Setting from the Bottom UpThe “democratic-pluralist” model of policymaking is based on the idea that any numberof groups or individuals can identify an important issue. The media can play an importantrole in focusing attention on particular problems.A.Public Opinion and Agenda SettingPublic opinion changes, often in response to crises, and is often heavily influenced bythe media.B.The Social Media and Agenda SettingThe social media now offer new opportunities for agenda setting.C.Popular Perceptions of PolicymakingAmericans believe policy is made from the top down but should be made from thebottom up.IV.Agenda Setting from the Top DownFocusing on the elite may be the key to understanding agenda setting. A variety of tacticsare used by this group to form policy and to bolster the idea that elite policymakingreflects public opinion.A.Elite Agenda SettingAccording to this model, a small group directs most agenda setting.B.Political EntrepreneurshipThose in the running for political office maintain a presence before voters,packaging their ideas and policies in ways that drive public opinionC.The President and White House StaffThe president and the executive branch are generally expected to be initiators ofpolicy proposals,D.Congress and Legislative StaffCongress is frequently portrayed as the arbiter of policy proposals initiated byothers, but leaders of Congress sometimes try to set forth their own agendas.

Test Bank for Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition - Page 27 preview image

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26E.Interest groupsInterest groups may initiate their own policy proposals, perhaps in associationwith members of Congress who share the same interest.V.Agenda Setting: The Mass MediaThe media play a complex role in agenda setting. The media can decide what issues gainprominence, select how they will be presented, and create new opinions.A.Media PowerThe media, though often represented as objective observers, are also players inpolitics.B.News makingThe process of news making involves influential choices about what will be covered.C.Media BiasMedia bias includes political partisanship, but also distortion for the sake of drama.VI.Formulating PolicyAt the policy formulation stage, policymakers examine alternative policies. The role ofthink tanks in this process is to provide the foundations for public policy.A.Think TanksThink tanks coordinate both agenda setting and policy formulation, and bring togetherintellectuals and government figures.B.Examples: The Brookings Institution, The American Enterprise Institute, The HeritageFoundation, Center for American Progress, CATO Institute, The Council on ForeignRelationsVII.Interest Groups and PolicymakingFrom direct involvement in lawmaking, through campaign contributions, to personalrelations, interest groups use a variety of tactics to influence public policy. Though manyAmericans feel that the influence of PACs, the media, and lobbyists in Washington isexcessive, it is hard to substantiate that belief.A.LobbyingLobbying covers a range of activities, from efforts to directly influence Congress, tomore indirect paths.B.PACsUnlike lobbyists, the actions of PACs focus solely on gathering and distributingfunding.VIII.Policy Legitimation: The Proximate PolicymakersThe actions of “proximate policymakers”—such as members of Congress, the president,and interest groups—have traditionally been the focus of policy studies. Yet these actorsonly guide the final stage of policymaking.A.Formal Lawmaking ProcessCongress monopolizes the process of actually creating laws, though many otheractors influence legislation.

Test Bank for Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition - Page 28 preview image

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27B.Party InfluenceParty loyalty plays a very strong role in Congress, though ideology may cut acrossparty lines.C.Presidential InfluenceThe influence of a president over policymaking is largely dependent on support oropposition from Congress, which is influenced by party control.D.Constituency InfluenceMembers of Congress are rarely constrained by constituents’ wishes and generallychoose to act as public trustees.E.Contributor InfluenceWhile the cost of running for Congress clearly makes candidates dependent oncontributions, it is less clear what effect those contributions have on policymaking.IX.The Budgetary and Appropriations ProcessesThe process of coming up with a budget every year is the joint work of Congress and thepresident.A.OMB—Preparing the Presidential BudgetThe Office of Management and Budget oversees the process of preparing the fiscalbudget.B.House and Senate Budget CommitteesThe two houses of Congress review the president’s budget, issuing two resolutionsthat summarize their findings.C.Appropriations ActsAppropriations are approved of in separate bills—usually 13—created by Congress.D.Appropriations CommitteesThe Senate and House of Representatives assign the work of reviewingappropriations to committees and subcommittees.E.Supplemental AppropriationsIn the case of unforeseen events, Congress may approve supplemental appropriations.F.Revenue ActsLegislation concerning taxation is isolated from budget considerations.G.Presidential VetoAs with other legislation, the president has the power to veto budget legislation, butwas denied the line-item veto in 1996.H.Continuing Resolutions.Continuing resolutions allow the government to keep functioning when the budget isnot signed by the start of the fiscal year.I.ShutdownsOccasionally “shutdowns” occur when the deadline set by the continuing resolution isnot met.J.Executive OrdersPresidents have used executive orders since George Washington, and Lincoln’s werethe most far-reaching. President Obama has used executive orders to circumventCongress when it failed to act as he wished (immigration, Patient Protection and

Test Bank for Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition - Page 29 preview image

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28Affordable Care Act deadlines).X.Policy Implementation: The BureaucracyPolicies are ultimately implemented by the bureaucracy, involving myriad decisions whichcontinue the policymaking process.A.Implementation and PolicymakingPolicymaking takes place in the process of implementation as legislation is turnedinto action.B.Regulation and PolicymakingThe agencies of the bureaucracy are responsible for rule making, a process that ismade public through theFederal Register.C.Adjudication and PolicymakingThe bureaucracies have the power to act as the judiciary in evaluating compliancewith regulations.D.Bureaucratic Discretion and PolicymakingThough bureaucrats follow regulations, at many levels they have considerablediscretion.E.Policy Bias of BureaucratsThe bias of bureaucrats is not as much influenced by party loyalty as by loyalty totheir own mission.F.Regulations are Suffocating AmericaThe explosive growth in federal regulations in the last two decades has addedenormous costs to the American economy. The cost of regulations does not appear inthe federal budget. Rather, they are paid for by businesses, employees, andconsumers.TEACHING OBJECTIVES1.Illustrate the step-by-step sequence of the policymaking process2.State the importance of problem identification and agenda setting in the policymakingprocess3.Identify the American bottom-up approach of policymaking4.Argue that agenda setting begins informally in corporate boardrooms, social clubs, anddiscussion groups5.Analyze the role of the media in creating events and personalities6.Define the role of think tanks in policy formulation7.Outline five ways in which interest groups influence government policy8.Illustrate the formal process by which a bill becomes a law9.Review the policymaking that occurs in the budgetary and appropriations processes10.Examine role of the bureaucracy in policy implementation

Test Bank for Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition - Page 30 preview image

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29DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1.At what step or steps in the policymaking process does the public have the most and theleast input?2.How do public perceptions of the policymaking process differ most notably from those oflegislators?3.What are the difficulties in determining the influence of such groups as the media orPACs on policymaking?4.What role does the media play in setting policy agendas? What limits the impact of themedia in this regard?5.Compare interest groups with think tanks, considering the impact they have onpolicymaking.LECTURE LAUNCHERS1.Begin with a statement reflecting popular perceptions of the influence of interest groups,such as “Interest groups control Congress.” Center your lecture on an examination of theextent and limitations of influence from the various actors discussed in the chapter.2.Begin with a detailed evaluation of one of a think tank—its goals, its prominent members,its activities—and then structure your lecture around an analysis of the policymakingprocess in light of the work of think tanks. At each stage of the process, include theinvolvement of other actors—PACs, the media—in the policymaking process.3.Structure your lecture around the policymaking process, with an emphasis on the complexway that steps merge into each other, influencing and influenced by subsequent steps.Instead of beginning with problem identification, begin with policy evaluation to showhow earlier implementations engender a continuous cycle of policymaking.MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS1.Deciding what issues will be decided and what problem will be addressed by governmentis part of the ________ process.a.policy legitimizationb.policy evaluationc.agenda settingd.policy implementationCorrect Answer: cLO#/text: 3.1: Illustrate the step-by-step sequence of the policymaking processTopic/Concept: The Policy Process: How Policies Are MadeDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding2.The prevailing model of policymaking in America isa.the elite model.

Test Bank for Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition - Page 31 preview image

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30b.group or interest group theory.c.the democratic-pluralist model.d.public choice theory.Correct Answer: cLO#/text: 3.3: Identify the American bottom-up approach of policymakingTopic/Concept: Agenda Setting from the Bottom UpDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding3.The _______ model of agenda setting focuses on the role of leaders in business, finance,media, and government.a.groupb.rationalc.institutionald.eliteCorrect Answer: dLO#/text: 3.4: Argue that agenda setting begins informally in corporate boardrooms,social clubs, and discussion groupsTopic/Concept: Agenda Setting from the Top DownDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding4.The ________ is generally expected to be the initiator of policy proposals.a.Supreme Courtb.executive branchc.Congressd.judiciaryCorrect Answer: bLO#/text: 3.4: Argue that agenda setting begins informally in corporate boardrooms,social clubs, and discussion groupsTopic/Concept: Agenda Setting from the Top DownDifficulty Level: EasySkill Level: Understanding5.The ________ is generally portrayed as the arbiter of policy proposals.a.Supreme Courtb.presidentc.Congressd.judiciaryCorrect Answer: c

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