18 Questions
What is the defining characteristic of a policy maker?
Power to influence or determine policies and practices
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an actor in the public policy making process?
Physicians
What is a common factor that can lead to changes in policies according to the text?
External changes in the political context
Why can the time needed to convert an intention into law vary according to the text?
Dependence on the political context
How do actors in policy making typically act?
Either on an individual basis or as members of a group
What type of organizations are sometimes established by the government to study particular policy areas and develop policy proposals?
Temporary Organizations
What is a crucial aspect of policy making emphasized in the text?
Collaboration between politicians and civil servants
Which group often presents specific proposals for legislation to the legislature?
Interest Groups
What is the phase of public policy that involves proposing solutions to identified problems?
Policy Formulation
Who is in a good technical position to engage in formulating policy due to their specialization, expertise, and continued involvement in specific policy areas?
Agency Officials
Who has the formal authority to decide on adopting, modifying, or rejecting a preferred policy alternative?
Public Officials
In which phase of public policy do legislators receive suggestions for action on problems and formulate proposed courses of action?
Agenda Setting
What distinguishes official actors from unofficial actors in policy making?
Official actors have explicit legal authority, while unofficial actors do not.
What role do nonofficial actors play in the policy process?
They participate in the policy process without explicit legal authority.
Which branch of government is considered the major or first policy-making branch?
Legislative branch
Why is the news media considered an important group of unofficial actors in policy making?
They play a 'watchdog' role by illuminating government actions.
What role was the judiciary meant to serve according to the text?
To interpret laws as enacted by elected representatives
Why are nonofficial actors still considered important in policy making despite lacking legal authority?
Because they participate in the policy process and provide necessary oversight.
Explore the concepts of policy, policy makers, and the policy-making process as discussed in Chapter 4 & 5 by Thomas Birkland. Understand the roles and influences of policy makers at different levels - international, national, regional, or local.
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