Political Decision-Making Analysis Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What does cost-effectiveness analysis primarily evaluate?

  • Market prices of various goods
  • Monetary gains from a project
  • Unquantifiable emotional costs
  • Quantified benefits within a specific budget (correct)

What is the definition of risk in decision-making?

  • The overall cost associated with a decision
  • The potential for profit from alternative solutions
  • The chances of achieving success
  • The combination of likelihood and consequences of an event (correct)

What was a significant consequence of the Great Leap Forward in Mao's China?

  • Technological advancements in farming
  • Increased agricultural exports
  • Severe famines and economic failure (correct)
  • Strengthened international relations

What is the primary challenge associated with classical-modernist governance?

<p>Difficulty in establishing public trust (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to decision-making emphasizes the role of evidence aligned with political interests?

<p>Decisionism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the precautionary principle?

<p>Intervention is required if there is a possibility of harm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the challenges in executing policies effectively?

<p>Implementation deficit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a main critique of the Rationality project in decision-making?

<p>It overlooks the inherent value judgments in policy choices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'Technocracy' in decision-making?

<p>A reliance on technical knowledge and experts for decision-making. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes hierarchical government?

<p>Top-down and centralized decision-making (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of the EU Common Agricultural Policy established in 1962?

<p>To ensure stable food supply and improve farmers' living standards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does media play in politics according to the content?

<p>Shaping public opinions and agendas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept focuses on the discussion and compromise between experts and politicians in decision-making?

<p>Pragmatism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of cost-benefit analysis?

<p>Complete dismissal of unmonetizable factors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does Ascomb's view on ethical decisions emphasize?

<p>Principles can sometimes outweigh calculation in decision-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Stone challenge about policy analysis?

<p>The idea that it can remain purely objective. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of bureaucrats in the policymaking process?

<p>To draft policy proposals and oversee implementations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'agency' in policy decision-making?

<p>The ability of policymakers to make independent decisions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do interest groups typically influence public policy?

<p>Through lobbying, expert testimony, and public opinion mobilization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the significant ways the media can impact policy?

<p>Through framing issues and influencing public perception (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the term 'policy cycle'?

<p>A framework for understanding the stages of the policy process (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do appointed officials play in the policy process?

<p>They bridge gaps between elected politicians and bureaucrats (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which actors are primarily responsible for proposing, debating, and voting on laws?

<p>Legislators (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do citizens primarily influence public policy?

<p>Through voting and direct activism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first phase in agenda-setting?

<p>Issue Initiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which agenda contains ideas or problems that could realistically be considered within the policy system?

<p>Systemic Agenda (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do discretionary policy windows depend on?

<p>Individual interests and motivations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the decision agenda in the context of governmental institutions?

<p>Matters that are about to be acted upon by decision-makers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of policy window might open due to a crisis or a new protest?

<p>Random (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'issue expansion' refer to in the agenda-setting process?

<p>Broadening the appeal and urgency of an issue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'institutional agenda'?

<p>Items explicitly considered by government institutions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the agenda universe?

<p>All ideas that could arise and be discussed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach involves the consideration of various actors’ interests and biases in decision-making?

<p>Garbage can model (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the incremental model in policy-making?

<p>Small, gradual changes to existing policies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes bounded rationality?

<p>Limited capabilities and knowledge of policy actors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of leadership in decision-making, which factor is most relevant?

<p>Constitutional authority and institutional support (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does pragmatism play in the context of decision-making?

<p>It fosters cooperation between experts and political authority. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'decisionism' imply in political contexts?

<p>Political representatives must make necessary decisions informed by evidence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the 'three orders of policy change'?

<p>Incremental adjustments, policy instrument changes, and systemic transformations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a core challenge of the garbage can model of decision-making?

<p>High complexity and uncertainty leading to ambiguous decisions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one criticism of technocracy in decision-making?

<p>It can be seen as undermining democratic processes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does comprehensive rationality assume about the policymakers?

<p>They possess complete knowledge and clarity of values. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influences a leader's decision-making prioritization?

<p>Personal interests and biases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which context is 'satisficing' often applied?

<p>Finding temporary solutions rather than optimal ones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which policy-making process is characterized by a focus on achieving minor changes?

<p>Incremental adjustments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation associated with comprehensive rationality in policy-making?

<p>Requires clarity of problems but often faces complexity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cost-benefit analysis in policy analysis?

<p>To compare the costs and benefits of a policy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes multi-criteria decision analysis?

<p>An approach that combines qualitative and quantitative factors across multiple conflicting criteria (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which orientation to policy analysis does the analyst aim to provide practical advice for policymakers?

<p>Professional (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes 1st order research from 2nd order evidence and policy analysis?

<p>1st order research generates facts, while 2nd order interprets these facts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which analysis aims to evaluate the broader effects of a policy, including both intended and unintended consequences?

<p>Impact analysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of advisor is typically hired for specific expertise in policy analysis?

<p>Consultant (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the scientific orientation in policy analysis?

<p>It develops and applies theory linking policy actions to effects through hypothesis testing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a goal of risk analysis in policy contexts?

<p>To evaluate the probability and consequences of adverse outcomes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'special advisors' serve in the policy advisory system?

<p>They provide unique insights or connections, often outside of traditional governmental roles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of regulatory impact analysis?

<p>To assess the impact of regulations themselves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Policy Cycle Heuristic

A simplified model that helps understand the process of creating and implementing policies, but doesn't accurately represent how things really work.

Policy Making Structure

The existing framework of government institutions, laws, and previous policies that influence new policy decisions.

Agency in Policy Making

The ability of individuals and groups to make choices and decisions based on their beliefs and values.

Bureaucrats

Civil servants who provide expertise in policy implementation, drafting proposals, and overseeing execution.

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Appointed Officials

Appointed officials who bridge the gap between elected leaders and civil servants, setting policy direction and priorities.

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Legislators

Elected representatives who propose, debate, and vote on laws, reflecting the interests and ideologies of their constituents.

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Executive Leaders

Leaders like presidents, ministers, or governors who have significant influence in prioritizing issues, allocating resources, and leading initiatives.

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Interest Groups

Groups that influence policy by lobbying, providing expert testimony, mobilizing public opinion, and advocating for specific causes.

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Critique of Rationality Project

A view that policy decisions and the framing of problems are not purely objective and involve value judgments.

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Pragmatism

An approach to decision-making that emphasizes discussion and compromise between experts and politicians.

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Technocracy

A system where decisions are made by experts using technical analysis, minimizing the role of politicians.

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Decisionism

decisions not determined by law should be made by political representatives. They tend to favor information that aligns with their ideologies.

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Incrementalism

A process where small changes are made to policies over time, often based on the needs of different groups.

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Analytical Knowledge in Decision Making

Using technical analysis, such as economic measurement, to make the best use of resources and achieve desired outcomes.

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Rationality Project

The belief that decision-making can be entirely objective and based on rational evidence.

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EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

The EU's agricultural policy designed to increase productivity, ensure food supply, and support farmers' living standards.

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Cost-benefit analysis

A method of analyzing choices by weighing their potential downsides and advantages to determine if an action is worthwhile, with the goal of maximizing benefits and minimizing losses.

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Cost-effectiveness analysis

A technique used to compare different options that achieve a measurable goal, even if it's not something you can put a dollar amount on. It focuses on getting the most benefit from a set budget.

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Risk

The combined possibility of an event happening and its potential negative impact.

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Decision Matrix

A structured way of comparing different choices based on a number of important factors. Each choice is scored based on its performance in each criterion, helping to make an informed decision.

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Authority in Governance

The ability of an individual or organization to justify their decisions and actions with logical explanations and arguments. It stems from interactions and communication, rather than inherent power.

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Implementation Deficit

The difficulty in putting policies into practice and making them work effectively. This often occurs because of complex factors at play.

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Hierarchical Government

A system of government where decisions are made in a top-down structure, power is concentrated at the highest levels, and strict rules and procedures are followed. This can make reacting to complex situations difficult.

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The Precautionary Principle

The principle that if there is a possibility of something causing harm, we should take action to prevent it, even without complete certainty about the risk.

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Agenda Setting

The process by which governments identify and prioritize issues that need their attention.

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Agenda Universe

The collection of all potential issues that could be discussed in a society or political system.

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Systemic Agenda

The set of problems or ideas that are realistically considered by policy actors within a political system.

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Institutional Agenda

The list of issues that are actively being discussed with the possibility of action by decision-makers.

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Decision Agenda

Issues that are on the verge of being acted upon by a government institution.

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Issue Initiation

The first stage where an issue is identified as a problem that requires government attention.

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Issue Expansion

Gaining widespread attention and support for an issue, mobilizing others to act.

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Agenda Entrance

When an issue has gained enough support and is officially acknowledged by policymakers.

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Bounded Rationality

A decision-making approach that acknowledges the limits of policymakers' knowledge, resources, and time constraints.

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Garbage Can Model

The tendency for decisions to be made by the most influential actors, often with a focus on immediate benefits rather than long-term solutions.

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Three Ps Model

A model that emphasizes the influence of political actors, policies, and problems on decision-making, acknowledging the interconnected nature of these elements.

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Ambiguity in Goals

A decision-making approach that prioritizes consensus and legitimacy by allowing for flexibility and adjustments in policy decisions.

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Incremental Model

An approach to policymaking that favors incremental changes to existing policies, aiming for gradual improvements and political feasibility.

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Satisficing

The process of making choices that are considered satisfactory, although not necessarily optimal, based on a limited understanding of the problem and its solutions.

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Policy

The core content of political action, encompassing the proposed solutions to address identified problems.

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Politics

The dynamics of power and influence among different actors involved in policymaking.

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Polity

The formal and informal structures and institutions that shape the relationship between the state and society.

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Comprehensive Rationality

A decision-making approach that prioritizes a systematic and comprehensive analysis of all relevant factors, including values, objectives, and alternative solutions.

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Expertise in Decision Making

The use of expert knowledge and evidence to inform policy decisions.

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Evidence as Signal

The use of evidence as a tool to signal competence and legitimize policy choices, often serving to reinforce social values.

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Politically Motivated Decisions

Decisions that are primarily motivated by political considerations, potentially neglecting objective analysis or long-term consequences.

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Study Notes

Public Policy and Governance

  • The policy cycle is a framework for understanding the policymaking process, including stages like agenda-setting, policy formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation.
  • A heuristic model simplifies the policymaking process.
  • Policymaking is influenced by pre-existing governance structures (institutions, policies, legacy).
  • Policymakers have agency (ability to choose according to their own will, values, morals)
  • Bureaucrats are civil servants who provide expertise in policy implementation and conduct analysis.
  • Politicians, including legislators and executive leaders, propose, debate and enact policies, influencing resource allocation.
  • Interest groups, such as business associations and labor unions, also influence policy through lobbying and public advocacy.
  • Media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and policy discussions using diverse platforms.
  • Citizens participate in policymaking through voting, activism and engagement in community programs.
  • Challenges in policy management include complexity, uncertainty, and resource constraints.
  • Policy tools and instruments, such as regulations and incentives, help in implementation
  • Polity refers to the overall political system including formal and informal power structures.
  • Unitary systems centralize power in the national government; federal systems distribute power between national and subnational levels.
  • The Enlightenment thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Voltaire advocated for individual rights, social contracts ideas and separation of powers.
  • Concepts of liberal democracy relate to legitimate political authority.

Decision-Making Models

  • Comprehensive rationality: an idealized view of decision-making that prioritizes maximizing efficiency; it assumes rationality and perfect information
  • Bounded rationality: acknowledges limitations of human cognitive ability, time and resources. Recognizes limitations on decision-making.
  • Incrementalism: pragmatic approach, where policies are revised gradually through successive adjustments; favors the status quo.
  • Garbage can: acknowledges decision-making as a process where actors with diverse interests and agendas seek solutions.
  • Issues are ambiguous (what is the problem?) , thus there is multiple solutions and actors involved

The Rise of Bureaucracy

  • Bureaucracy, as a formalized, hierarchical structure emerged during the Industrial Revolution.
  • Important traits include: hierarchy, formal roles, specialisation, impersonality and merit-based employment
  • The New Public Management (NPM) emerged in the 1980s/1990s to reform public sector management using techniques from the private sector.
  • NPM aimed to bring business-like practices to government, emphasizing performance measurement and cost control.

Global Public Policy

  • Global public policy (GPP) deals with transboundary issues like climate change and trade regulations.
  • GPP involves multiple actors including states, international organizations (IOs) and non-state actors.
  • Political authority in GPP is complex, involving various actors and structures such as delegation, self-authorization, and hybrid arrangements.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in political decision-making. This quiz covers various topics including governance challenges, cost-effectiveness analysis, and the role of evidence in decision-making. Enhance your understanding of political processes and theories.

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