Political Science 101 > Public Policy and Administration > Flashcards

Public Policy and Administration Flashcards

Describes the policy-making process, public administration, and key governance areas like education and healthcare. (80 cards)

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1
Q

Define:

public policy

A

Set of laws, regulations, actions, and decisions implemented by governments to address societal issues.

Public policy represents a government’s intentions and actions to respond to public problems or needs through formal structures.

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2
Q

True or False:

Public policy is only created by elected officials.

A

False

While elected officials play a key role, policy-making also involves civil servants, experts, interest groups, and citizens.

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3
Q

Explain the purpose of public administration.

A

It ensures the implementation of government policies and the management of public programs and services.

It involves planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling government operations.

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4
Q

Fill in the blanks:

Public policy typically addresses issues such as ______, ______, and ______.

A

education, healthcare, environment

Public policy covers a wide range of societal sectors, depending on the goals and priorities of a government.

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5
Q

Identify three examples of public goods provided through public policy.

A
  • clean air
  • national defense
  • public parks

Public goods are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning they are available to all citizens and one person’s use doesn’t diminish another’s.

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6
Q

Explain how public opinion influences public policy.

A

Governments may adjust policies based on public demands, electoral pressures, or media coverage.

Public opinion shapes policy agendas and can influence how quickly or drastically decisions are made.

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7
Q

List three major actors involved in the policy-making process.

A
  • legislators
  • interest groups
  • administrative agencies

Policy-making is often collaborative, involving a network of governmental and non-governmental actors.

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8
Q

Compare public policy and public administration.

A

Public policy defines what governments aim to do; public administration carries out those goals through concrete actions.

Policy is about planning and decision-making, while administration focuses on execution and service delivery.

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9
Q

True or False:

All policies are written laws or regulations.

A

False

Policies can also be informal practices, guidelines, or programs adopted without formal legislation.

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10
Q

Define:

public policy cycle

A

A sequence of steps through which governments identify problems, formulate solutions, implement policies, and evaluate their outcomes.

Often presented as a series of stages: agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation.

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11
Q

Fill in the blanks:

The first stage of the policy cycle is called ______ ______.

A

agenda setting

This stage determines which issues gain government attention and enter the policy process.

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12
Q

How can citizen participation influence the policy cycle?

A

Citizens can raise issues during agenda setting, give feedback during formulation, and hold officials accountable during evaluation.

Citizens participate through voting, lobbying, protests, and public commentary during the rulemaking process.

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13
Q

Fill in the blanks:

In the U.S., policy proposals are formally introduced during the ______ ______ stage.

A

policy formulation

This stage involves drafting bills and identifying strategies to address public problems.

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14
Q

Which of the following are part of the policy formulation stage?

  • Researching potential solutions
  • Consulting stakeholders
  • Allocating funds
  • Drafting policy proposals
A
  • Researching potential solutions
  • Consulting stakeholders
  • Drafting policy proposals

Formulation involves analyzing options and designing feasible responses.

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15
Q

Why is policy adoption a critical step in the policy process?

A

It determines which proposed policy becomes official and legally binding, often through legislation or executive decisions.

Adoption may involve negotiation, compromise, and political debate.

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16
Q

True or False:

The implementation stage comes before policy adoption.

A

False

Policies are implemented only after they have been adopted.

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17
Q

Define:

policy evaluation

A

The process of assessing a policy’s effectiveness, efficiency, and outcomes.

Evaluation can lead to policy adjustments, continuation, or termination.

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18
Q

Match the stage of policy cycle with its description:

  • Agenda setting
  • Implementation
  • Evaluation

A. Enacting the policy using programs and services
B. Reviewing results and assessing impacts
C. Gaining attention for an issue

A

Agenda setting → C
Implementation → A
Evaluation → B

These stages interact dynamically and sometimes overlap.

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19
Q

What challenges commonly arise during policy implementation?

A
  • Bureaucratic resistance
  • Lack of resources
  • Unclear goals
  • Political interference can hinder effective execution

Implementation depends on coordination among agencies and clarity of directives.

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20
Q

Identify three key outputs of policy evaluation.

A
  1. Evidence on whether objectives were achieved
  2. Recommendations for improvement
  3. Data to support future decisions

Evaluations may be internal or external and use both qualitative and quantitative methods.

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21
Q

What role do bureaucracies play in public policy?

A

They carry out the day-to-day operations of government, interpret policies, and manage public programs.

Bureaucrats act as policy implementers and sometimes shape how policies are experienced by citizens.

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22
Q

True or False:

Public administrators are involved only in the implementation stage of the policy cycle.

A

False

Administrators often contribute to policy design, evaluation, and feedback processes.

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23
Q

Why is evaluation important for democratic accountability?

A

It ensures that policies are effective and that public officials are responsible for outcomes.

Evaluation allows citizens and legislators to make informed judgments about government performance.

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24
Q

Name three stakeholders in the policy-making process.

A
  1. Elected officials
  2. Interest groups
  3. Citizens

Stakeholders include anyone affected by or involved in shaping policy decisions.

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25
What is **policy legitimation**?
The process of giving **legal force** to a policy through legislation, court rulings, or executive approval. ## Footnote In the U.S., this often requires **congressional approval and presidential signature.**
26
How do **political ideologies** influence **policy choices**?
Ideologies shape **beliefs** about the role of government, which influences priorities and solutions. ## Footnote For example, **conservatives** may favor less government intervention, while **progressives** may support more.
27
Compare top-down vs. bottom-up policy implementation
* **Top-down**: Policy is directed from central authorities with structured plans. * **Bottom-up**: Implementation adapts at local levels based on practitioner input and context. ## Footnote Both approaches have strengths depending on complexity and stakeholder engagement.
28
# Define: policy feedback
The process by which implemented policies influence **future political dynamics** and decisions. ## Footnote Policies can shape **citizen expectations, political participation, and institutional norms**.
29
# True or False: The **U.S. Congress** plays a key role in formulating public policy.
True ## Footnote Congress debates and passes legislation, often influenced by constituents, party priorities, and interest groups.
30
How does the **federal structure** of the U.S. affect **public policy**?
**U.S. public policy** is shaped at **local, state, and federal levels**, often creating overlapping or conflicting responsibilities. ## Footnote Federalism allows for policy experimentation but can complicate coordination.
31
# True or False: **Only the President** can initiate the **agenda-setting phase** in the U.S. policy cycle.
False ## Footnote Agenda-setting can be influenced by Congress, interest groups, media, and citizens.
32
What happens during the **policy adoption stage** in the U.S.?
**Congress** debates and votes on proposed legislation, and the **President** may sign it into law or veto it. ## Footnote State legislatures follow similar adoption processes at the local level.
33
Who are **key actors** in the implementation stage of public policy in the U.S.?
1. Federal agencies (e.g., EPA, HHS) 2. State and local governments 3. Bureaucrats and program administrators ## Footnote They interpret and apply laws, often issuing **regulations and managing budgets**.
34
Compare policy evaluation vs. policy termination
* **Evaluation**: Assesses the effectiveness and impact of a policy. * **Termination**: Ends a policy if it's ineffective, obsolete, or politically unsupported. ## Footnote Evaluation informs whether a policy should be continued, revised, or terminated.
35
Identify one **U.S.** example of **policy feedback.**
The **Affordable Care Act (ACA)** increased public support for health coverage, making repeal politically difficult. ## Footnote Once implemented, policies can shape political behavior and expectations.
36
Which branch of the **U.S. government** is primarily responsible for **implementing public policy**?
Executive ## Footnote Implementation is handled by **federal departments** and agencies like the Department of Education or the EPA.
37
# True or False: **Education policy** in the U.S. is centrally managed by the **federal government.**
False ## Footnote Education is primarily managed at the **state and local levels**, though federal guidelines exist.
38
Explain the **budget process** as part of **policy formulation**.
The federal budget reflects **policy priorities** and determines funding levels for programs. ## Footnote Proposed by the president, the budget must be approved by Congress.
39
# Define: Medicaid in the U.S
A **federal and state program** that helps with **medical costs** for people with limited income. ## Footnote Medicaid covers millions of Americans, including children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.
40
Name one **federal policy** that supports **housing affordability**.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program ## Footnote This program provides rent subsidies to low-income families.
41
# Define: Head Start in the U.S.
A federal program that promotes **school readiness for children** from low-income families. ## Footnote Head Start provides early education, health, and nutrition services.
42
What is the goal of the **Environmental Protection Agency**? | (EPA)
To protect human **health and the environment** through regulation and enforcement. ## Footnote The EPA was created in 1970.
43
How does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) shape **public services**?
It **prohibits discrimination** and ensures access to public facilities and services. ## Footnote The ADA was enacted in 1990.
44
# Fill in the blank: The \_\_\_\_\_\_ provides **health insurance** to people aged 65 and older.
Medicare ## Footnote Medicare is a federal program started in 1965.
45
Which law focused on **desegregation and equal access in education**?
Brown v. Board of Education decision ## Footnote This 1954 Supreme Court ruling declared school segregation unconstitutional.
46
# Define: Public Housing
Government-funded housing for **low-income** individuals and families. ## Footnote Managed by local public housing authorities.
47
Name one major **federal education reform** enacted in the 21st century.
Every Student Succeeds Act | (ESSA) ## Footnote Replaced No Child Left Behind in 2015.
48
What are two public policy tools used to address **unemployment**?
**Unemployment insurance** and **job training programs** ## Footnote These tools support workers and facilitate re-entry into the workforce.
49
# Fill in the blank: The \_\_\_\_\_\_ is a **federal job training program** targeting adults and dislocated workers.
WIOA | (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) ## Footnote WIOA was enacted in 2014 to improve **workforce development.**
50
# Define: EITC
The **Earned Income Tax Credit** provides tax relief to low- and moderate-income workers. ## Footnote A refundable tax credit that incentivizes work.
51
How does the U.S. government support **higher education**?
* student loans * Pell Grants * tax incentives ## Footnote Federal aid expands access to college education.
52
# Fill in the blanks: The \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ helps **veterans** with healthcare, education, and housing.
Department of Veterans Affairs | (VA) ## Footnote The VA operates hospitals and provides benefits.
53
How does **public transportation** policy support **urban development**?
It reduces traffic congestion, promotes **sustainability**, and increases mobility. ## Footnote Often funded through federal grants like the Urbanized Area Formula Program.
54
Why are **zoning laws** considered public policy tools?
They regulate **land use** and influence community development. ## Footnote Zoning impacts housing, commerce, and environmental quality.
55
# Define: Pell Grant
A **subsidy** provided by the U.S. government to help low-income students pay for college. ## Footnote Does not need to be repaid.
56
# Fill in the blank: The \_\_\_\_\_\_ is a federal law that requires **emergency medical treatment** regardless of ability to pay.
EMTALA | (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) ## Footnote Enacted in 1986.
57
What is the role of federal **housing policy** in reducing homelessness?
It funds shelters, transitional housing, and permanent **supportive housing programs.** ## Footnote Includes programs like HUD’s Continuum of Care.
58
# Fill in the blanks: A \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ evaluates the **unintended effects or risks** associated with a policy.
Risk assessment ## Footnote Often used in environmental and health policy contexts.
59
# True or False: **Sensitivity analysis** is used to measure how the results of a model change when inputs vary.
True ## Footnote It tests the robustness of policy outcomes.
60
What is the difference between a **forecast and a projection** in policy analysis?
A forecast predicts likely outcomes based on **current data**; a projection explores **possible future scenarios** under certain assumptions. ## Footnote Projections are often used for planning.
61
Why is **stakeholder analysis** important in public policy?
It identifies groups affected by a policy and assesses their influence, interests, and power. ## Footnote Helps anticipate support or resistance.
62
# True or False: A **political feasibility** analysis examines how **power and political dynamics** affect policy implementation.
True ## Footnote Crucial in predicting stakeholder support.
63
Name two **ethical frameworks** used in policy analysis.
Utilitarianism and deontology ## Footnote One focuses on **outcomes**, the other on **duties and principles**.
64
# Fill in the blanks: An \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ analysis looks at how likely a **policy is to be accepted and enforced**.
administrative feasibility ## Footnote Considers **bureaucratic capacity and resources.**
65
What are two **common sources of data** in policy analysis?
government statistics and stakeholder surveys ## Footnote Reliable data is critical for evidence-based policies.
66
Why is **equity analysis** a key part of policy analysis?
It assesses whether a policy affects groups fairly and promotes **social justice**. ## Footnote Especially important in health, housing, and education policies.
67
# Fill in the blanks: The \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ recommends choosing the **option with the least possible harm** when outcomes are uncertain.
precautionary principle ## Footnote Common in environmental and health policy.
68
What is the role of **policy simulations** in decision-making?
They model **outcomes** of various scenarios to guide policy design. ## Footnote Often use computer-based models.
69
# Define: Policy memo
A concise document that outlines a **policy issue**, options, and recommendations for decision-makers. ## Footnote Must be clear, evidence-based, and actionable.
70
# Fill in the blanks: \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ weighs policy options based on **efficiency and resource use**.
Economic analysis ## Footnote Seeks optimal allocation of limited resources.
71
# Define: Impact assessment
Evaluation of the **potential effects** (positive or negative) of a proposed policy or program. ## Footnote Includes environmental, social, and economic impacts.
72
Why is it important to **combine qualitative and quantitative** tools in policy analysis?
It provides a more comprehensive **understanding of the issue and potential effects**. ## Footnote Mixed methods improve validity and context.
73
# Define: public good
A good that is **non-excludable and non-rivalrous**, meaning no one can be excluded from its use and one person's use does not reduce availability for others. ## Footnote Examples include national defense and street lighting.
74
Why does the government fund **education as a public service**?
To increase **human capital**, reduce inequality, and promote long-term economic growth. ## Footnote Education has positive externalities like higher productivity and civic participation.
75
# Fill in the blank: Public transportation systems are a type of \_\_\_\_\_\_ that governments fund to support mobility and economic activity.
infrastructure ## Footnote Includes buses, subways, and light rail.
76
# True or False: **Public healthcare systems** improve workforce productivity and reduce long-term social costs.
True ## Footnote Healthier populations are more **economically productive.**
77
# Define: Merit good
A good that the government provides because it is **under-consumed if left to the market**, despite having positive externalities. ## Footnote Examples: vaccines, education, public libraries.
78
How does government-provided **infrastructure** support **economic growth**?
It reduces **transaction costs**, connects markets, improves logistics, and enables business operations. ## Footnote Roads, ports, and broadband are key examples.
79
# True or False: Only **federal governments** are involved in providing public goods.
False ## Footnote Local and state governments also manage services like education, policing, and sanitation.
80
What are some **public services** that contribute directly to **long-term economic development**?
Education, healthcare, transportation infrastructure, sanitation, and clean water access. ## Footnote These improve **quality of life and economic opportunity**.
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