Public Policy Cycle and Agenda-Setting Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Agenda-Setting Theory in the context of public policy?

Analyzing the decision-making process of policymakers

Identifying the root causes of social problems

Evaluating the effectiveness of policy implementation

Studying the formation of public opinion (correct)

What is the Commission Work Programme (CWP) responsible for in the agenda-setting process?

Drafting legislation on behalf of the European Parliament

Evaluating the impact of EU policies on member states

Negotiating with stakeholders on policy implementation

Setting out the list of important actions for the year ahead (correct)

What is the outcome of the agenda-setting process in the context of public policy?

The allocation of resources for policy implementation

The identification of a problem and agreement to address it (correct)

The evaluation of policy outcomes and impact

The development of a policy framework for implementation

Who has the final decision-making authority in presenting a policy proposal?

The Commission Signup and view all the answers

What is the correlation found in the study of North Carolina voters during the 1968 presidential election campaign?

Between issues that voters believed were important and issues that the media gave prominence to Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the decision-making process for certain policies, such as foreign policy and policy on certain aspects of justice and home affairs?

Intergovernmental cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the TFEU?

To define the principles and objectives of EU law Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an exclusive competence of the EU?

Common commercial policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Council of the EU in international agreements?

It concludes international agreements on behalf of the Union Signup and view all the answers

What is the Treaty on European Union (TEU) also known as?

Maastricht Treaty Signup and view all the answers

In the European Union, what is the principle that aims to ensure that decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizens?

Subsidiarity principle Signup and view all the answers

What type of competences are those where the EU has the sole power to legislate?

Exclusive competences Signup and view all the answers

In areas of shared competences, who can act freely as long as EU legislative bodies have not previously intervened?

Member States Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure used to address many of the shared competences issues legislatively?

Ordinary Legislative Procedure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the EU's actions in areas of shared competences?

To achieve common objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Commission, Council, and EP in the European Union's commercial policy?

Initiating, conducting, and implementing commercial policy agreements Signup and view all the answers

What is the core of the European Union's external economic relations?

The Common Commercial Policy (CCP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the EU's 'TRADE DEFENCE' policy?

Countering unfair trade practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the EU policy that promotes trade and commercial agreements covering almost every corner of the globe?

Trade Promotion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which the EU manages its complex range of partnerships and agreements?

The Common Commercial Policy (CCP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the European Union's status in the global economy?

A potential economic superpower Signup and view all the answers

Which institution has a leading role in international environmental issues?

The European Commission Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the trade and development policy in the EU?

A shared competence between the EU institutions and national governments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of the EU's economic power?

Its leadership in international environmental issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the European Union's status in the global arena?

A significant economic power Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle that guides the EU's decision to act on an issue?

The principle of subsidiarity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 'shared and coordinated' competence of the EU?

Protection and improvement of human health Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between exclusive and shared competences of the EU?

The extent of legislative powers retained by member states Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common objective of the EU's shared competences?

Protecting and improving human health and education Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the EU in areas of shared competence?

The EU provides financial support and coordination Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for proposing new laws and legislative proposals in the EU?

The European Commission Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the EU's actions in areas of shared competences?

To ensure that decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an EU objective?

Promoting a Europe fit for the digital age Signup and view all the answers

Which EU legislative body is responsible for examining proposals from the European Commission?

The EU Council and the European Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the lead department responsible for the file in the European Commission?

To represent the Commission in the examination of the proposal Signup and view all the answers

Which EU legislative body is responsible for representing the interests of EU citizens?

The European Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the European Commission's explanation of a proposed legislation?

To explain the problem, objectives, and options of the proposal to the EP and the Council Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a common EU objective?

An economy that works for people Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for drafting the legislation in the EU's policy-making process?

The European Commission Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the rotating presidency of the EU Council in the examination of a proposal?

To represent the member states and specialists from the home governments Signup and view all the answers

Which entity shares the responsibility for the trade and development policy in the EU?

EU institutions and national governments Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the European Commission in the EU's economic power?

To seek to exploit opportunities in the emerging global economy Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the EU's trade and development policy and its economic power?

The EU's trade and development policy is a means to achieve its economic power Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the EU's trade and development policy in the global arena?

It makes the EU a potential economic superpower Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the EU's trade and development policy?

Shared competence between the EU institutions and national governments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the committees in the EU's legislative process?

To prepare the groundwork for international agreements Signup and view all the answers

Which type of competences involve the EU and Member States sharing authority?

Shared competences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP)?

To address shared competences issues Signup and view all the answers

In which areas can Member States act freely, as long as EU legislative bodies have not previously intervened?

Shared competences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the EU's actions in areas of shared competences?

To achieve common objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Commission Work Programme in the EU's policy cycle?

To set out the list of the most important actions to be taken in the year ahead Signup and view all the answers

According to the Agenda-Setting Theory, what is the role of the media in shaping public opinion?

The media sets the agenda for public opinion Signup and view all the answers

In the EU's policy cycle, what is the stage that involves identifying a problem and agreeing to do something to address it?

Agenda-setting Signup and view all the answers

Who has the final authority in deciding whether or not to present a policy proposal in the EU's policy cycle?

The European Commission Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Agenda-Setting Theory in the context of public policy?

The role of the media in shaping public opinion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of EU policies, such as agricultural policy?

Supranational Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)?

To outline the EU's competences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an exclusive competence of the EU?

Monetary policy for the Euro area Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Single Market' in EU policy-making?

It enhances the EU's supranational quality Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the EU's exclusive competence in certain areas?

Member states cannot conclude bilateral trade agreements with non-EU countries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Common Commercial Policy (CCP) in the European Union?

To promote trade and commercial agreements covering almost every corner of the globe Signup and view all the answers

What is the core of the European Union's external economic relations?

The Common Commercial Policy (CCP) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of policy is concerned with countering perceived unfair trade practices by the EU's key partners?

Trade Defence Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the agreements covered by the EU's Trade Promotion policy?

Multilateral agreements covering almost every corner of the globe Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Commission, Council, and EP in the European Union's commercial policy?

To initiate, conduct, and implement commercial policy agreements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary principle guiding the EU's decision to act on an issue in areas of shared competences?

The principle of subsidiarity Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the EU's actions in areas of shared competences?

The EU coordinates and supports member states' actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the agenda-setting process in the context of EU policy formulation?

The identification of key issues and priorities for EU action Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the EU's actions in areas of 'supporting, coordinating, and supplementary' competences?

Financial support and coordination Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle that guides the EU's decision to act on an issue in areas of shared competences, ensuring that decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizens?

The principle of subsidiarity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the European Commission in the policy formulation process?

To propose new laws and legislative proposals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of the European Commission's explanation of a proposed legislation?

The problem that requires an intervention Signup and view all the answers

Who examines the proposal from the European Commission in the EU Council?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the lead department responsible for the file in the European Commission?

To draft the legislation Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the agenda-setting process in the context of public policy?

The identification of a problem that requires an intervention Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the EU's actions in areas of shared competences?

To support the economic development of member states Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the European Parliament in the legislative process?

To represent the interests of EU citizens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the decision-making process for certain policies, such as foreign policy and policy on certain aspects of justice and home affairs?

Unanimity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Commission Work Programme (CWP) in the agenda-setting process?

To set the priorities for the European Commission's work Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Agenda-Setting Theory in the context of public policy?

To understand how issues come to the attention of policymakers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to EU Policy-Making

The EU has no one way of making policy, with different theories and approaches applied to different areas.
Policies can be intergovernmental (based on government-to-government cooperation) or supranational (based on EU-level decision-making).

EU Competences

The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) outlines EU competences in different areas.
Exclusive competences include:
- Customs union
- Common commercial policy
- Competition (for internal market)
- Protection of marine biological resources
- International agreements
- Monetary policy (for euro area)
Shared competences include:
- Research and technological development
- Internal market development and space
- Social policy
- Humanitarian aid
- Economic, social, and territorial cohesion
- Energy
- Agriculture and fisheries
- Area of freedom, security, and justice
- Justice
- Consumer protection
- Common safety concerns in public transport
- Health
- Trans-European networks
Supporting, coordinating, and supplementary competences include:
- Protection and improvement of human health
- Industry
- Culture
- Tourism
- Education, vocational training, youth, and sport
- Civil protection
- Administrative cooperation

Policy-Making Process

Agenda-setting: identifying a problem and agreeing to do something to address it.
The Commission adopts an annual work programme setting out the list of most important actions it will take in the year ahead.
The Commission Work Programme (CWP) is the centrepiece of the agenda-setting process.
The Commission has the last word in deciding whether or not to present a proposal.

Policy Formulation

The Commission proposes new laws and legislative proposals.
The Commission has to explain the problem, objectives, options, and recommended approach to the European Parliament and the Council.
The Commission drafts the legislation, which is then passed on to the two legislative bodies for examination.

Trade and Development Policies

The EU is a major economic power with a significant role in global trade and development.
The EU has sought to exploit opportunities and establish itself as a key player in the emerging global economy.
The EU has a shared competence in trade and development policies with national governments.

Institutions

The Commission, Council, and European Parliament play a central role in initiating, conducting, and implementing commercial policy agreements.
The Common Commercial Policy (CCP) is the means by which the EU manages its external economic relations.
The EU has developed a complex range of trade and commercial agreements, covering almost every corner of the globe.

Trade Promotion and Defence

The EU has two types of trade policies:
- Trade promotion: developing trade and commercial agreements to promote EU trade.
- Trade defence: countering perceived unfair trade practices by key partners.

EU Law-Making

The EU law-making process involves the Commission, Council, and European Parliament.
The Commission proposes new laws, which are then examined and agreed upon by the two legislative bodies.
The EU law-making process is based on the principle of subsidiarity, which states that the EU should only act where necessary.

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Description

Explore the five stages of a typical public policy cycle, including agenda-setting, policy formulation, decision-negotiations, implementation, and evaluation. Learn about the Agenda-Setting Theory developed by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw, and its significance in understanding public policy.