Political Science Week 5: Public Policy & Bureaucracy
42 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What fundamental distinction separates politicians from bureaucrats in terms of their selection process?

Politicians are elected, whereas bureaucrats are appointed.

Describe the main rationale behind a bureaucrat's actions within an organization.

A bureaucrat's rationale is professional, focusing on effectiveness, efficiency, and economy.

Identify two control mechanisms that can address the problems of bureaucratic power.

Accountability and politicization are two control mechanisms.

How does the measure of success differ between politicians and bureaucrats?

<p>Politicians measure success by public opinion, while bureaucrats measure it by following the rules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two challenges associated with bureaucratic power as mentioned in the content?

<p>Lack of accountability and corruption are two challenges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three possible outcomes after a policy is implemented?

<p>Policy termination, policy continuation, and policy feedback/alteration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List the three Es used in evaluating policy effectiveness.

<p>Economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber's ideal type bureaucracy, what key characteristic emphasizes neutrality?

<p>Legalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main ideology behind New Public Management in the 1970s?

<p>Market logic, emphasizing that big government is bad government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary responsibilities of public administration when implementing policy?

<p>Implementing policy and providing policy advice to decision-makers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of the policy cycle?

<p>Policy initiation (agenda setting)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do deterministic models influence the political agenda?

<p>They suggest that serious problems and economic conditions dictate which issues gain political attention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the public agenda from the policy agenda?

<p>The public agenda represents societal issues, while the policy agenda involves what political actors decide to address.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the newspaper 'De Standaard' as discussed in the editorial?

<p>The newspaper focuses on raising awareness about road safety for children.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does media play in agenda setting from above?

<p>Media acts as an intermediary that highlights specific issues, shaping the political agenda.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the policy cycle, what does 'policy formulation' encompass?

<p>Policy formulation involves elaborating on policy options and defining solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'policy mood' in the context of agenda setting?

<p>Policy mood refers to the prevailing public sentiment and its influence on what issues gain political attention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do road fatalities receive less media attention despite being a serious issue?

<p>They occur 'one at a time,' leading to skewed media coverage compared to more dramatic events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a policy tool used in the technical-rational phase of smoking policy?

<p>Pictures on cigarette packs are an example of a nodality tool.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do actors play in the competitive phase of policy formulation?

<p>Actors struggle to define problems and solutions, often trying to 'frame' their perspectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a factor that contributes to favorable conditions for agenda setting.

<p>The power of numbers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of policy evaluation in the policy cycle?

<p>To assess the effectiveness and outcomes of implemented policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'authority' tool in the NATO-model of policy instruments?

<p>The authority tool aims to ban or prevent undesirable behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'treasure' tool function in policy formulation?

<p>The treasure tool functions by imposing taxes to discourage certain behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key steps in the policy cycle according to the content provided?

<p>The key steps are policy initiation, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal issue was highlighted as a routine disaster in the editorial?

<p>The editorial highlighted the issue of children being killed in weekend traffic accidents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines public policy according to Lasswell's perspective?

<p>Public policy is defined as outcomes of political decision-making regarding who gets what, when, and how.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List the four types of policies identified in the study of public policy.

<p>Regulative, Distributive, Redistributive, and Constitutive policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of bureaucracies in public policy?

<p>Bureaucracies implement and manage government policies and decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between politicians and bureaucrats.

<p>Politicians are elected officials who make policy decisions, while bureaucrats are appointed officials who execute and enforce those policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the power of bureaucrats be controlled within a governmental framework?

<p>The power of bureaucrats can be controlled through oversight mechanisms, legislative checks, and accountability measures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What comprises the 'set of policies' in public administration?

<p>A set of policies consists of interrelated decisions made by governments to address societal problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the policy cycle in public policy making?

<p>The policy cycle outlines the stages of policy development, from problem identification to evaluation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do bureaucracies play in the regulation of societal behavior?

<p>Bureaucracies develop and enforce regulative policies that guide societal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of framing in policy formulation, particularly in relation to the US health care reform bill?

<p>Framing is significant because it shapes public perception and support, impacting the likelihood of policy adoption by presenting issues in a particular light.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the socio-cultural right's framing of the refugee crisis differ from the socio-cultural left's perspective?

<p>The socio-cultural right frames the crisis as a threat to national identity and proposes to limit refugee intake, while the left emphasizes a humanitarian crisis and advocates for increasing intake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one major framing employed by advocates and another by opponents in the climate change policy debate.

<p>Advocates frame climate change policies around sustainability and future generations, while opponents argue that climate change is a hoax and detrimental to the economy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key stages in the policy cycle that lead to policy adoption?

<p>The key stages are policy initiation (agenda setting), formulation, adoption (decision making), implementation, and evaluation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the main focus of the rational model in policy adoption.

<p>The rational model emphasizes a clear blueprint for decision-making that maximizes utility through cost-benefit analysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assumptions underpin the rational model of decision-making in policy adoption?

<p>The rational model assumes that all information is available, can be cognitively processed, effects can be assessed, and decisions are made without ideological influence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two possible outcomes in the policy adoption process?

<p>The two outcomes are decision (the adoption of a policy) and non-decision (the rejection or neglect of a policy option).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss a potential problem with the rational model of policy adoption.

<p>One problem is that it may not account for the complexity of real-world decision-making, including incomplete information and political influences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is public policy?

The set of decisions made by governments to steer public, social, and economic life. They represent an integrated approach to tackling societal problems and include regulations, distribution of resources, wealth redistribution, and the establishment of fundamental rights.

Regulative Policy

A type of policy that sets rules for behavior in society, such as maternity leave policies.

Distributive Policy

A policy that provides goods and services and distributes them among citizens. Examples include the construction of highways.

Redistributive Policy

A policy that focuses on redistributing wealth in society, like progressive tax systems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Constitutive Policy

A policy that deals with the enforcement of fundamental rights and the organization of government. An example is state reform.

Signup and view all the flashcards

The Policy Cycle

The process through which policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated, involving various stages like agenda-setting, policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bureaucracies

Organizations that implement and administer government policies. They are structured hierarchies with specific roles and responsibilities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Politicians vs. Bureaucrats

Elected officials who represent the public and set policy goals, while bureaucrats are appointed officials who implement those policies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Policy Evaluation

The process of evaluating a policy's effectiveness, efficiency, and impact on the economy. Involves analyzing if the policy met its goals and if its implementation was efficient.

Signup and view all the flashcards

New Public Management

A system where government functions are minimized and privatized, emphasizing market logic and efficiency over traditional bureaucratic structures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Process Evaluation

The process of assessing the implementation of a policy, focusing on procedures, resources, and stakeholder involvement.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bureaucracy

A hierarchical structure with centralized decision-making, defined roles, and emphasis on formal rules and procedures. Often associated with Weber's ideal type.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Client Satisfaction Evaluation

The process of gathering feedback from individuals directly impacted by a policy to assess their satisfaction and experience.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Policy Formulation

The process of developing policy options or solutions to address a problem.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Policy Communities

A group of individuals or organizations with expertise and influence in a specific policy area.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Technical-Rational Phase

A stage in policy formulation characterized by objective analysis and the selection of solutions based on evidence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Competitive Phase

A stage in policy formulation characterized by competition and influence among different actors with different problem interpretations and solutions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nodality

Providing information about undesirable behavior to discourage it, such as using graphic images on cigarette packs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Authority

Preventing or prohibiting undesirable behavior, such as banning cigarette sales to minors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Treasure

Using financial incentives or disincentives, such as increasing taxes on cigarettes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Organization

Modifying the environment or infrastructure to influence behavior, such as installing ID card scanners on cigarette machines.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Policy initiation

The process of deciding which issues governments should address.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Public agenda vs. policy/political agenda

The difference between the issues the public cares about and the issues politicians focus on.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Deterministic models of agenda setting

Claims that certain factors automatically lead to issues being prioritized. Economic conditions, election cycles, or truly serious problems can drive the agenda.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agency models of agenda setting

Focuses on individuals and groups that actively push issues onto the agenda. This includes citizens, media outlets, and powerful individuals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agenda setting from below

The process of individuals and groups bringing issues to the attention of policymakers by mobilizing public opinion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agenda setting from above

When powerful individuals or groups influence the agenda by using their authority and resources.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Favorable conditions for agenda setting

Factors that can influence the success of agenda-setting efforts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agenda setting imagery

The use of powerful images or symbols to capture attention and create support for an issue.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a Bureaucrat?

Bureaucrats are appointed officials with long-term positions, specialized expertise, and a focus on efficiency and effectiveness. They are primarily concerned with internal organizational operations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a Politician?

Politicians are elected representatives with short-term mandates, seeking to win public support. Their focus is on external factors, primarily public opinion, and their success is measured by electoral outcomes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Problems with Bureaucratic Power

Bureaucrats operate within a complex system of rules and procedures. They are often criticized for lacking enough accountability, potentially leading to issues like corruption or inefficient administration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does Politicization control Bureaucratic Power?

Politicization helps maintain control over bureaucratic power by introducing a system of rotation, where new leaders can appoint their own officials. This limits the potential for long-term entrenched power within the bureaucracy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What role do Ombudsmen play?

Ombudsmen act as intermediaries between citizens and government administrations, enabling individuals to voice complaints and seek redress for perceived unfair treatment. This mechanism helps to enhance bureaucratic accountability.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Policy Adoption

The process of public officials choosing the best policy option from the proposed set of choices.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-decision

A situation where public officials fail to address a potential policy issue. This can happen due to lack of awareness, limited resources, or political pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rational Model

This model assumes policymakers have a clear understanding of the problems and solutions, and they make decisions by weighing cost and benefits. It aims for the most 'useful' outcome.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Incremental Model

This model acknowledges that policymakers often have incomplete information and operate in a complex environment. Instead of pursuing optimal solutions, they make incremental changes, adjusting policies gradually.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rational Model Assumption: Perfect Information

Assumes that all needed information exists and can be processed by policymakers, enabling them to assess the effectiveness of different policy options.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rational Model Assumption: Cognitive Capability

Assumes that policymakers have complete knowledge of how different policy options will affect the situation and are not limited by cognitive limitations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rational Model Assumption: Thorough Assessment

Assumes that all effects of policies can be meticulously assessed, allowing for a complete evaluation of their potential consequences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rational Model Assumption: Depoliticized Decision Making

Assumes that political ideologies and personal interests do not influence policymakers' decisions, leading to purely objective and rational policy outcomes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Introduction to Political Science - Week 5: Public Policy and the Bureaucracy

  • Instructor: Robin Devroe
  • Semester: Fall 2024-2025
  • Course Materials: Slides sourced from Jonas Lefevere, Didier Caluwaerts, and Silvia Erzeel
  • Readings: Newton & Van Deth, chapters 8 & 15
  • Key Questions:
    • What is (public) policy?
    • How are policies made?
    • What is the function of bureaucracies, and how are they organized?
    • What is the difference between politicians and bureaucrats?
    • What is the power of bureaucrats, and how can they be controlled?
  • Topics for Today's Class:
    • What is policy?
    • The policy cycle
    • Bureaucracies and their organization
    • Politicians vs. Bureaucrats
    • Key takeaways
  • What is Public Policy?
    • Lasswell's definition: “politics is about who gets what, when, and how.”
    • Policies are outcomes of political decisions made by governments to steer public, social, and economic life.
    • Policies also encompass the work of businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that affect public life.
    • A set of interrelated decisions that governments put in place to manage societal issues.
  • Policy Types:
    • Regulative: rules to govern behavior (e.g., maternity leave)
    • Distributive: providing services/goods (e.g., highways)
    • Redistributive: wealth redistribution (e.g., progressive tax systems)
    • Constitutive: setting up the system/framework itself (e.g., state reform)

The Policy Cycle

  • A process with five key stages:
      1. Policy Initiation (agenda setting): Identifying an issue for political consideration
      1. Policy Formulation:Developing possible policy solutions.
      1. Policy Adoption (decision-making): Choosing a specific course of action.
      1. Policy Implementation: Putting the chosen policy into action.
      1. Policy Evaluation: Assessing the policy's effects and outcomes.

Agenda Setting

  • The crucial decision-making stage that determines which issues become the focus of political attention.
  • Deterministic model: Serious problems, the business cycle, and election cycles define the agenda.
  • Also affected by factors like media coverage, interest groups, and public opinion.
  • Two aspects: from below (citizens and media) and from above (government).

Agenda Setting: Favorable Conditions

  • Power of numbers
  • Positional power
  • Policy mood
  • Simple communication and clear imagery
  • Media attention

Policy Formulation: Technical-Rational and Competitive Phases

  • Technical-Rational:
    • Defining a problem and issue, with set objectives.
    • Examining the possible solutions/instruments.
    • Methods include the NATO model, identifying needed behavior change, setting policy options, and assessing solutions.
  • Competitive:
    • Different actors vying to present the "best" framing or narrative surrounding a problem
    • Example: the framing of policy around the European migrant crisis
    • Framing is done through different narratives around the same problem, such as societal/cultural issues.

Policy Adoption (Decision-Making)

  • Rational Model:
    • Politicians have a predetermined blueprint for achieving goals.
    • Decision-making is seen as a process of utility maximization (cost/benefit)
    • Underlying assumptions include comprehensive information and complete analysis.
    • Challenges to this approach include limited information, incomplete analysis, and bounded rationality.
  • Incremental Model:
    • Policy is a step-by-step change/adjustment to existing policies rather than a fundamental shift.
    • Information may be limited or incomplete.
    • Decision-makers are perceived as conservative due to complex situations and the need to balance needs.

Policy Implementation

  • Bureaucratic-driven process of translating policies into action.
  • Two approaches:
    • Top-down: policies are imposed from the top.
    • Bottom-up: policy is adapted and adjusted at the ground level.

Policy Evaluation

  • Assessing the effects of implemented policies.
  • Comparing goals and results.
  • Outcomes are viewed compared to initial goals/objectives and output measures.
  • Evaluating policies in terms of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  • Policy outcomes can be analyzed by measuring satisfaction from impacted clients.

Bureaucracies and Their Organization

  • Weber's Ideal Type Bureaucracy: Based on hierarchy, rationality, and functional specialization.
  • New Public Management (NPM): A more recent approach that emphasizes market logic, skeleton state, and privatization.
  • Include measures such as customer service and HRM.

Politicians vs. Bureaucrats

  • Selection: Politicians are elected. Bureaucrats are appointed.
  • Term: Politicians have shorter terms. Bureaucrats have longer terms.
  • Expertise: Politicians tend to have broader, lay expertise, whereas bureaucrats typically have specialized knowledge.
  • Orientation: Politicians are externally oriented to citizen needs, whereas bureaucrats are internally focused on organizational efficiency.
  • Measurements of Success: Politicians are judged publicly, whereas bureaucrats are assessed for effectiveness.

Power of Bureaucrats

  • Bureaucrats hold a strategic position in policy-making.
  • Bureaucratic power and influence are based on their specialized knowledge and connections, significant size, and permanent positions.

Bureaucratic Power: Problems

  • Lack of accountability
  • Corruption and maladministration
  • Mechanisms to control bureaucracy include:
  • Accountability to government/parliament
  • Politicizing through alternation or the spoils system
  • Counter-bureaucracies (personal advisors to politicians)

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Introduction To Political Science Week 5 - Public Policy And The Bureaucracy PDF

Description

Dive into the complexities of public policy and bureaucratic structures in this Week 5 quiz for Introduction to Political Science. Explore how policies are created, the roles of bureaucrats versus politicians, and the organization of bureaucracies. Test your understanding of key concepts and definitions that shape public affairs.

More Like This

Bureaucracy in Public Policy Formulation
10 questions

Bureaucracy in Public Policy Formulation

FieryEvergreenForest avatar
FieryEvergreenForest
Challenges in Public Policy Making
7 questions

Challenges in Public Policy Making

SpiritedVerism avatar
SpiritedVerism
Administración Pública: Recursos Contenciosos
6 questions

Administración Pública: Recursos Contenciosos

SharpLouvreMuseum avatar
SharpLouvreMuseum
Introduction to Public Administration
16 questions

Introduction to Public Administration

AdventuresomePlateau4150 avatar
AdventuresomePlateau4150
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser