Question 1

Define the term "public policy." Explain your definition.

Accepted Answer

Public policy refers to the decisions and actions taken by government officials to address public issues and concerns. This can include laws, regulations, and funding priorities that are designed to achieve specific goals and improve the well-being of society as a whole. Public policy can cover a wide range of areas, including healthcare, education, environmental protection, and economic development. It is the result of a complex process that involves input from various stakeholders, including citizens, interest groups, and experts, and is ultimately implemented and enforced by government agencies. Overall, public policy plays a crucial role in shaping the way society functions and in addressing the needs and challenges of the public.

Question 2

What is classical liberalism and how does it constitute the ideological foundation of the U.S. onstitution?

Accepted Answer

Classical liberalism is a political ideology that emphasizes individual freedom, limited government intervention in the economy, and the protection of private property rights. It emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as a response to the absolute monarchies and mercantilist economic policies that were prevalent in Europe at the time.

The ideological foundation of the U.S. Constitution is heavily influenced by classical liberalism. The Founding Fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, were deeply influenced by the ideas of classical liberalism and sought to incorporate them into the framework of the new nation. The Constitution reflects these principles through its emphasis on individual rights, the separation of powers, and limited government authority.

For example, the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, enshrines individual freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the right to bear arms and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. These rights are central to the classical liberal belief in the importance of individual autonomy and the limitation of government power.

Additionally, the Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances between the three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial – to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This reflects the classical liberal concern with preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals or institutions.

Furthermore, the Constitution protects private property rights and promotes free market principles, which are fundamental to classical liberal economic theory. The Fifth Amendment, for example, prohibits the government from taking private property for public use without just compensation, while the Commerce Clause grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, but also limits its authority to interfere with economic activity.

In summary, classical liberalism constitutes the ideological foundation of the U.S. Constitution through its emphasis on individual rights, limited government, and free market principles. These ideas have shaped the structure and principles of the American government and continue to influence political debates and policies to this day.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a feature of most definitions of public policy?

Accepted Answer

A) Policy is made in response to some sort of problem that requires attention. 
B) Policy is made on the "public's" behalf. 
C) Public policy is made by individuals acting in a free market. 
D) Policy is oriented toward a goal or desired state, such as the solution of a problem. 
E) Policy is what the government chooses to do or not to do. 
A) Policy is made in response to some sort of problem that requires attention. 
B) Policy is made on the "public's" behalf. 
C) Public policy is made by individuals acting in a free market. 
D) Policy is oriented toward a goal or desired state, such as the solution of a problem. 
E) Policy is what the government chooses to do or not to do. C

Question 4

Explain what another academic discipline other than political science, contribute to the study and understanding of public policy.

Accepted Answer

One academic discipline that contributes

Question 5

There is one true definition of public policy.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Why doesn't everyone engage major issues of public policy all the time?

Accepted Answer

A) No one can be concerned about all issues all the time. 
B) Public policy study is boring. 
C) Public policies are too confusing or citizens to understand. 
D) Public policies don't really affect most people. 
A) No one can be concerned about all issues all the time. 
B) Public policy study is boring. 
C) Public policies are too confusing or citizens to understand. 
D) Public policies don't really affect most people.

Question 7

Why do many scholars also define public policy as what the government chooses not to do?

Accepted Answer

Many scholars define public policy not o

Question 8

Theories of public policy making ignore real-world policies and processes.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

There is one distinct and clear set of principles that govern the study of public policy.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

The central approach of this textbook is in policy analysis focusing on the rigorous application of economic analysis.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

In policy debates, the position backed by the best scientific evidence does not always "win" the debate.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

People study the policy process because

Accepted Answer

A) They are interested in theories of how policy comes to be. 
B) They want to be more effective advocates for particular policies. 
C) They may be called upon to address policy matters that directly affect their communities and professions. 
D) All of these are reasons to study the policy process. 
A) They are interested in theories of how policy comes to be. 
B) They want to be more effective advocates for particular policies. 
C) They may be called upon to address policy matters that directly affect their communities and professions. 
D) All of these are reasons to study the policy process.

Question 13

Public policy is whatever government chooses to do or not to do.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Evidence is always necessary in policy debates

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

The Federalist Papers were written to promote the Declaration of Independence.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Decisions made by courts are statements of public policy.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

Anecdotal evidence is the product of rigorous scientific analysis.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

The study of public policy is firmly grounded in the study of politics.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

Explain why theories of the public policy are as important as knowing about the substance of public policy.

Accepted Answer

Theories of public policy are as importa

Question 20

Birkland's book is most closely associated with which tradition in policy studies?

Accepted Answer

A) Case studies 
B) Policy analysis 
C) Policy process studies 
D) All of the above 
A) Case studies 
B) Policy analysis 
C) Policy process studies 
D) All of the above

Define the term "public policy." Explain your definition.

What is classical liberalism and how does it constitute the ideological foundation of the U.S. onstitution?

Which of the following is not a feature of most definitions of public policy?

Explain what another academic discipline other than political science, contribute to the study and understanding of public policy.

There is one true definition of public policy.

Why doesn't everyone engage major issues of public policy all the time?

Why do many scholars also define public policy as what the government chooses not to do?

Theories of public policy making ignore real-world policies and processes.

There is one distinct and clear set of principles that govern the study of public policy.

The central approach of this textbook is in policy analysis focusing on the rigorous application of economic analysis.

In policy debates, the position backed by the best scientific evidence does not always "win" the debate.

People study the policy process because

Public policy is whatever government chooses to do or not to do.

Evidence is always necessary in policy debates

The Federalist Papers were written to promote the Declaration of Independence.

Decisions made by courts are statements of public policy.

Anecdotal evidence is the product of rigorous scientific analysis.

The study of public policy is firmly grounded in the study of politics.

Explain why theories of the public policy are as important as knowing about the substance of public policy.

Birkland's book is most closely associated with which tradition in policy studies?

An Overview of the Policy Process

The Historical, Structural, and Environmental Contexts of Public Policy

Official Actors and Their Roles in Public Policy

Unofficial Actors and Their Roles in Public Policy

Agenda Setting, Power, and Interest Groups

Policies and Policy Types

Policy Design, Policy Tools, and Decisions

Policy Design and Policy Tools

Policy Implementation, Failure, and Learning

Science and Theory in the Study of Public Policy Need to Add Some NPF

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Exam 1: Introducing the Policy Process

Define the term "public policy." Explain your definition.

What is classical liberalism and how does it constitute the ideological foundation of the U.S. onstitution?

Which of the following is not a feature of most definitions of public policy?

Explain what another academic discipline other than political science, contribute to the study and understanding of public policy.

There is one true definition of public policy.

Why doesn't everyone engage major issues of public policy all the time?

Why do many scholars also define public policy as what the government chooses not to do?

Theories of public policy making ignore real-world policies and processes.

There is one distinct and clear set of principles that govern the study of public policy.

The central approach of this textbook is in policy analysis focusing on the rigorous application of economic analysis.

In policy debates, the position backed by the best scientific evidence does not always "win" the debate.

People study the policy process because

Public policy is whatever government chooses to do or not to do.

Evidence is always necessary in policy debates

The Federalist Papers were written to promote the Declaration of Independence.

Decisions made by courts are statements of public policy.

Anecdotal evidence is the product of rigorous scientific analysis.

The study of public policy is firmly grounded in the study of politics.

Explain why theories of the public policy are as important as knowing about the substance of public policy.

Birkland's book is most closely associated with which tradition in policy studies?

An Overview of the Policy Process

The Historical, Structural, and Environmental Contexts of Public Policy

Official Actors and Their Roles in Public Policy

Unofficial Actors and Their Roles in Public Policy

Agenda Setting, Power, and Interest Groups

Policies and Policy Types

Policy Design, Policy Tools, and Decisions

Policy Design and Policy Tools

Policy Implementation, Failure, and Learning

Science and Theory in the Study of Public Policy Need to Add Some NPF

Filters