POL 2353 Public Policy: Government Institutions

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Questions and Answers

How does the concept of 'checks and balances' influence the policymaking process?

  • It ensures policies are rapidly implemented without obstruction.
  • It allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches, preventing tyranny. (correct)
  • It concentrates power within a single branch of government.
  • It centralizes all policy decisions within the judicial branch.

What is the primary implication of the 'separation of powers' doctrine?

  • It centralizes all power within the legislative branch.
  • It promotes uniformity in policy across all states.
  • It streamlines policy implementation by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
  • It divides governmental authority among different branches, preventing any single entity from becoming too dominant. (correct)

In the context of policymaking, what does federalism primarily entail?

  • A political structure where states operate independently without federal oversight.
  • A concentration of all governmental authority at the local level.
  • A system where the national government has unlimited power over the states.
  • A division of powers between a national government and state governments. (correct)

How do federal-state relations affect policy outcomes?

<p>They influence policy outcomes by determining the level of cooperation and conflict between federal and state entities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'state variation in policy capacity' impact the implementation of federal policies?

<p>It results in differing levels of policy implementation and effectiveness, based on each state's unique resources and capabilities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Contrast 'dual' and 'cooperative' federalism, particularly in terms of policy implementation.

<p>Dual federalism involves minimal interaction, while cooperative federalism involves extensive collaboration between federal and state governments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of fragmented power in the U.S. political system for policymaking?

<p>It allows for diverse input and consideration from a wider array of actors, promoting more robust policy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A significant disadvantage of fragmented power in the U.S. policymaking system could be:

<p>Potential for gridlock and slow decision-making. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the requirement for agreement between both houses of Congress and the President affect policy outcomes?

<p>It tends to result in policies that have broader support and are potentially more durable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'the people' and other actors play in a system of fragmented power?

<p>They can exert considerable influence on policy formation and outcomes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does fragmentation have on the speed of the policymaking process?

<p>It often makes the policymaking process slower as multiple entities need to reach consensus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increasing decentralization affect policy innovation at the state level?

<p>It encourages states to experiment with diverse policies, leading to innovation and tailored solutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes 'categorical grants' in the context of federal funding?

<p>Federal funding that must be spent on a specific purpose or category. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes 'block grants' from categorical grants?

<p>Block grants provide states with more discretion over how the funds are spent, while categorical grants have specific requirements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'unfunded mandates' and how do they affect states?

<p>Federal requirements imposed on states without providing the necessary funding to comply. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental role does the legislative branch play in policymaking?

<p>Writing and enacting laws. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the executive branch primarily serve in the policy process?

<p>Implementing and enforcing laws. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal role of the judicial branch in policymaking?

<p>Interpreting laws and resolving legal disputes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of committees within the legislative branch?

<p>To specialize in specific policy areas and review proposed legislation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do independent agencies and commissions contribute to the policymaking process?

<p>By providing expertise, oversight, and policy recommendations outside of direct political control. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In policymaking, what role does public opinion play?

<p>Public opinion shapes the political climate and influences policymakers' decisions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do interest groups typically participate in the policymaking process?

<p>By advocating for specific policies that benefit their members or cause. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of government expansion?

<p>Increasingly complex problems like social welfare. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why would the government be seen as having a 'unique ability for impact'?

<p>Because of its power to create policy changes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens as the responsibilities of world superpowers increase?

<p>The government expands. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the committee system affect law creation?

<p>Committee systems help specialize and inform political figures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do executive agencies influence policymaking?

<p>They implement policy changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did citizens shape government action throughout the years?

<p>Citizens have demanded government action. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the dangers of government gridlock?

<p>Downturn of public opinion and slow processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ability of district courts?

<p>They interpret laws. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the public steer the policymaking process?

<p>Public opinion shapes the political climate and influences policymakers' decisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interest groups in the policymaking process?

<p>They advocate for specific policies that benefit their members or cause. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do issue networks play a role in policymaking?

<p>Issue networks advocate for issues they align with. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does media affect the policymaking process?

<p>Media acts as a medium for the needs of the people. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why would older voters turn out at higher rates than younger voters?

<p>Older voters have more concerns that are politically relevant. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are lobbying and campaign contributions ethical practices?

<p>There are cases where ethical concerns are involved. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are campaign donations generally seen as undemocratic?

<p>Campaign donations take voices out of the public sphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does government funding generally come from?

<p>It is collected from taxes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the job of the 'law writers'?

<p>They create laws. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Federalism

A system where power is distributed between a federal government and state governments.

Federal-state relations

Relations and interactions between the federal government and state governments.

State variation in policy capacity

Differences in policy capacities and implemented policies across different states within a federal system.

Dual Federalism

A type of federalism where state and federal governments operate in distinct, separate spheres of influence.

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Cooperative Federalism

A type of federalism where state and federal governments collaborate on policy-making.

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Advantages of Fragmented Power

Advantages that arise from the division of authority among numerous participants.

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Disadvantages of Fragmented Power

Negative consequences that result from divided authority among many actors.

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Gridlock

Occurs when there is difficulty passing laws that satisfy the needs of the people.

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Categorical Grants

Financial assistance provided by the federal government to state governments.

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Unfunded Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state governments without providing funding.

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Block Grants

Federal funding allocated to state governments with minimal restrictions

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Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for writing laws.

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Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for implementing laws.

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Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws.

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Informal Policy Actors

Groups of people, organizations, or entities that influence policymaking through non-governmental means.

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Public Opinion

Views, attitudes, and beliefs held by the general population regarding government actions and public policy issues.

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Study Notes

  • Public Policy is studied in POL 2353
  • Prof. Carolyn Abott, Ph.D. can be contacted via [email protected]

Government Institutions and Policy Capacity

  • Checks and balances are part of the capacity
  • Separation of powers is part of the capacity
  • Federalism is part of the capacity

Federalism

  • Federal-state relations are key to federalism
  • State variation in policy capacity reflects federalism
  • Dual and cooperative are types of federalism

Consequences of Fragmented Power: Advantages

  • Power is distributed across a wide range of actors
  • Agreement is needed from both houses of Congress and the President, improving policy
  • The people and other actors have significant input

Consequences of Fragmented Power: Disadvantages

  • The process tends to be slow
  • Gridlock can occur
  • Public opinion can suffer

Reasons for Growth of Government

  • United States territory expanded
  • Problems became increasingly complex
  • Business regulation increased
  • Social welfare is more accepted
  • The U.S. has responsibilities as a world superpower
  • Government has unique ability for impact
  • Citizens demand action

Increasing Decentralization

  • The federal government was dominant between the 1940s and 1960s
  • State and local governments were dominant in the 1970s and 1980s
  • Categorical grants are federal funding that must be spent in a specific way
  • "Unfunded mandates" are federal requirements for states with no funding
  • Block grants are federal "lump sum" funding to states for greater state control
  • States are experiencing growing power and policymaking

Government Institutions Involved in Policymaking

  • The legislative branch writes the law
    • This branch is bicameral
    • It relies on a committee system
  • The executive branch implements the law
    • The Office of the President is part of the Executive Branch
    • Executive and independent agencies and commissions are part of the Executive Branch
  • The judicial branch interprets the law
    • Supreme Court is part of the Judicial Branch
    • Circuit courts are part of the Judicial Branch
    • District courts are part of the Judicial Branch

Informal Policy Actors

  • The public plays a role
  • Interest groups play a role
  • Issue networks play a role
  • Media plays a role

Informal Policy Actors

  • The public and public opinion

Informal Policy Actors

  • The public/public opinion
  • Interest groups

Informal Policy Actors

  • The public/public opinion
  • Interest groups
  • Issue networks
  • Media

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