Public Policy Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who might write a letter to their representatives about a policy issue?

Interest groups and individual citizens.

What are the three steps governments follow to create public policy?

Identifying a problem, developing a plan, and implementing policy.

What is the first step in creating a public policy?

Identifying a problem.

How does the media primarily influence the making of public policy?

Providing information about a policy. Signup and view all the answers

Why do interest groups hire lobbyists?

To influence legislators. Signup and view all the answers

How does government solve problems?

By creating public policy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a temporary committee created to study an issue and make a policy recommendation called?

Task force. Signup and view all the answers

How do political parties influence public policy?

By creating platforms. Signup and view all the answers

In which three main areas do governments create public policy?

Social, economic, and foreign. Signup and view all the answers

Who adopts policy plans created to address a societal problem?

Legislature. Signup and view all the answers

How do officials primarily identify problems that public policy can address?

By listening to public interest groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which groups influence the creation of public policy? (Select all that apply)

Political parties Signup and view all the answers

Who decides what problems should be addressed through fiscal policy?

Government leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to developing public policy?

Seek compromises. Signup and view all the answers

What does fiscal policy most closely focus on?

Managing taxes and spending. Signup and view all the answers

Who builds strong relations with foreign powers to ensure the nation's safety?

Diplomats and ambassadors. Signup and view all the answers

Once a policy is developed to address an issue, who implements and enforces it?

Government agencies and police forces. Signup and view all the answers

What does spending 25 percent of the money the government raises in taxes on Social Security indicate?

The government values the elderly. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of taxes does a portion of a sample paycheck represent?

Payroll. Signup and view all the answers

Money spent on government programs is referred to as?

Expenditures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a difference between payroll and income taxes?

Payroll taxes are itemized deductions from an individual's paycheck, while income taxes are based on an individual's salary. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the government impose excise taxes?

To discourage the use of specific products. Signup and view all the answers

What areas made up half of the government's expenditures?

Social Security and Education/Health and Human Services. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the amount of money the government collects in taxes if unemployment is high?

It goes down. Signup and view all the answers

What are the lowest spending priorities for members of Congress?

They value helping other countries and veterans affairs least. Signup and view all the answers

When might workers be exempt from paying income taxes?

When they don't earn enough money. Signup and view all the answers

What is imposed on each container that enters the United States aboard a ship from another country?

Tariff. Signup and view all the answers

What is the federal budget a record of?

The nation's fiscal policy. Signup and view all the answers

What is an increase in military spending most likely caused by?

A war or multiple wars. Signup and view all the answers

What must businesses do to fulfill their legal and financial regulations?

Report information about the assets they sell. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if regulatory policies for a business are violated?

Fines and sanctions are applied. Signup and view all the answers

What will the CFPB most likely do in response to a valid complaint against a bank for discriminatory practices?

Impose a fine or sanction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the roles of the FCC in the US? (Select all that apply)

Ensure public safety in communications Signup and view all the answers

What element do OSHA and SEC have in common?

Both create regulations to ensure safety and fairness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Public Policy Creation and Influencers

Interest groups and individual citizens often communicate with representatives regarding policy issues.
The public policy creation process involves three main steps: identifying a problem, developing a plan, and implementing the policy.
The initial phase of public policy development centers on recognizing societal issues.

Media and Interest Groups

Media plays a pivotal role by disseminating information related to policy matters, thereby influencing public perception and legislative action.
Interest groups employ lobbyists to advocate for their causes and sway legislators’ decisions.

Role of Government and Committees

Governments address societal problems through the establishment of public policies.
Task forces are temporary committees formed specifically to investigate issues and propose policy recommendations.

Political Parties and Policy Focus

Political parties shape public policy by formulating platforms that outline their objectives and values.
Public policy typically focuses on three primary domains: social, economic, and foreign affairs.

Legislative Process and Public Input

Policy plans aimed at resolving societal challenges can be adopted and enacted by the legislature.
Government officials primarily identify public issues through engagement with interest groups and citizen feedback.

Fiscal Policy and Economic Management

Government leaders are responsible for determining which challenges will be addressed through fiscal policy measures.
Key aspects of fiscal policy include managing taxes and government spending.

Implementation and Enforcement

After a policy is formulated, government agencies and police forces are charged with implementing and enforcing the policy.
Spending 25% of tax revenue on Social Security reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the elderly population.

Taxation Insights

Payroll taxes are deductions taken directly from paychecks, while income taxes are calculated based on overall salary.
Excise taxes are levied not only for revenue but also to discourage consumption of certain goods.

Budget Priorities and Expenditures

Major areas of government expenditure include Social Security and Health Services, which together constitute about half of total spending.
During high unemployment periods, overall tax revenues tend to decline.

Regulatory Policies and Compliance

Businesses must comply with legal and financial regulations, which include accurately reporting their sales.
Violations of regulatory policies can lead to fines and sanctions imposed by governing bodies.

Specific Agencies and Actions

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) can respond to valid complaints by imposing fines or sanctions on institutions like banks.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has specific roles in regulating communication industries, which include both regulatory oversight and policy formulation.

Tariffs and International Trade

Each container entering the U.S. from another nation is subject to a tariff, which is a form of tax on imports.
Military spending tends to rise in response to wartime necessities or conflicts.

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Description

Test your knowledge of public policy concepts with these flashcards. Learn about the roles of interest groups, the steps involved in creating policies, and key definitions related to public policy. Ideal for students and anyone interested in governmental processes.