Public Policy Year 2 - Key Concepts
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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of a Constitution?

Defines principles and rules of the government.

What are the two types of government centralization?

  • Communism and Capitalism
  • Democracy and Autocracy
  • Monarchy and Republic
  • Unitarism and Federalism (correct)

Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the law?

  • Legislative
  • Executive
  • Administrative
  • Judiciary (correct)

Supernational institutions have the power to directly legislate and enforce laws on member states.

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

What is the main difference between supernational and intergovernmental institutions?

<p>Sovereignty: Supernational institutions require member states to surrender a portion of their sovereignty, while intergovernmental institutions do not.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of policy actors?

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

What are two examples of public actors?

<p>The executive branch and ministerial structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a private actor?

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

What is an epistemic community?

<p>A community of experts and technical specialists who share a set of beliefs and a way to approach problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a meritocratic system and a spoils system?

<p>Meritocratic systems are based on expertise, while spoils systems are based on political loyalty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the five stages of the policy cycle?

<p>Agenda setting, formulation, decision, implementation, evaluation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key elements of the structure vs agency debate?

<p>Structure refers to existing norms and values that shape society, while agency refers to the ability of actors to exert their will and make choices within those structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of knowledge that should be considered in policy-making?

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

What is a wicked problem?

<p>A complex issue that is difficult to define, understand, and solve.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Super wicked problems are wicked problems with the additional challenge of urgency and time constraints.

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

What is the key difference between wicked and super wicked problems?

<p>Super wicked problems are more urgent and require more collaboration to address. Time is a critical factor in super wicked problems, requiring immediate action and cooperation among stakeholders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key skill required for policy actors?

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

What is the meaning of sovereignty in the context of nation states?

<p>Nation states have complete power within their own borders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'polity'?

<p>Various institutional structures that constitute a political system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of bureaucracy in government?

<p>A government institution that makes decisions on behalf of democratic representatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of democratic republic distributes power between a central government and state/local governments?

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

Explain the difference between negative and positive liberty.

<p>Negative liberty is freedom from coercion and interference, while positive liberty is the freedom to live as one pleases, including the ability to participate in self-governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of right is the obligation of the government to inaction?

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

What is the main idea behind The Polis model?

<p>A political society where individuals recognize the importance of the common good and collective well-being.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core principle of The Market model?

<p>A political society where individuals only focus on self-interest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a collective action problem?

<p>Individuals are reluctant to contribute to collective problems due to personal costs, even though it benefits everyone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key point of the Polis model?

<p>Competition is valued above cooperation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'laws of passion' in the context of the Polis model?

<p>Passions, emotions, and beliefs play a role in shaping the political process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which decision-making principle emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number?

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

What is the main principle of deontology in decision making?

<p>Actions are either good or bad, regardless of their consequences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reasoning involves drawing a conclusion from observations or examples?

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

Which model of decision making assumes that everything related to policy issues is floating around in a garbage can and problems and solutions have to find each other?

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

What is the term for the principles and rules that govern the government?

<p>Constitution</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a supernational institution characterized by?

<p>The power to directly legislate and enforce laws on member states</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intergovernmental institutions require member states to surrender their sovereignty.

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

Which of the following are characteristics that distinguish supernational from intergovernmental institutions? (Select all that apply)

<p>Decision-making (A), Authority (C), Sovereignty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are characteristics of policy actors? (Select all that apply)

<p>Preferences (A), Perception of social problems (B), Capability to influence policy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two examples of public actors in government?

<p>The executive branch and ministerial structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are considered private actors in policy making? (Select all that apply)

<p>Interest groups (A), Social movements (B), Corporations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bureaucracy is based on specialized knowledge and skills?

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

Which type of bureaucracy is based on political loyalties?

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

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the policy cycle? (Select all that apply)

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

Structure limits agency, while agency can shape structure.

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

Which of the following are types of knowledge crucial for effective policy decision-making? (Select all that apply)

<p>Political (A), Analytical (B), Operational (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Wicked problems have clear and readily available solutions.

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

Which of the following are characteristics of super wicked problems? (Select all that apply)

<p>Urgent time constraints (A), No clear solutions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Super wicked problems require greater collaboration among stakeholders compared to regular wicked problems.

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

Which of the following are key skills required for effective policy actors? (Select all that apply)

<p>Managerial skills (A), Political acumen (B), Analytical skills (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the institutional structures that constitute a political system?

<p>Polity</p> Signup and view all the answers

All democratic republics are federal systems.

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

Which type of liberty refers to freedom from coercion and imposition?

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

Which type of right refers to the obligation of the government to take action?

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

What is the focus of the Market model of political society?

<p>individuals only focus on self-interest</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Polis model emphasizes self-interest alone, while the Market model emphasizes the common good.

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

Which of the following are important points of the Polis model? (Select all that apply)

<p>Loyalty is the norm (A), Cooperation is as important as competition (C), Focus on public interest (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are laws of passion in the context of political decision-making?

<p>Passions, emotions, and beliefs play a role in the political process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which decision-making principle relies on the idea that the best action is the one that brings about the greatest good for the most people?

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

Which decision-making principle considers whether an action is morally permissible, regardless of its outcome?

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

Which type of reasoning involves drawing conclusions from observations or patterns?

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

Which form of reasoning uses a similar process to inductive reasoning but leaves the possibility of other explanations?

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

Which decision-making model emphasizes the role of experts in guiding policy decisions?

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

Which decision-making model assumes that political leaders should make decisions, even if they lack sufficient expertise?

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

Which decision-making model seeks a balance between technocratic expertise and political considerations?

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

Which decision-making model assumes a logical and systematic process of defining values, objectives, and solutions?

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

The Comprehensive rationality model is always practical and achievable due to its thoroughness.

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

Which decision-making model favors gradual change and incremental adjustments?

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

The incremental model is often criticized for neglecting long-term goals and systemic issues.

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

Which decision-making model envisions a chaotic environment where problems, solutions, and decision-makers randomly interact?

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

The Garbage can model is criticized for its pessimistic outlook and lack of structured exploration of solutions.

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

Flashcards

Constitution

Defines principles and rules of the government

Unitarism

One single central government

Federalism

Shared sovereignty over several levels

Legislative branch

Makes the law

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Executive branch

Executes the law

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Judiciary branch

Interprets the law

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Supernational institutions

Institutions that have the power to directly legislate and enforce laws of member states.

  • e.g. EU
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Intergovernmental Institutions

Member states who voluntarily cooperate and coordinate on matters of common interest. No surrendering any sovereignty

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Supernational vs Intergovernmental institutions

  1. Sovereignty (lose some vs keep all)
  2. Authority (direct authority vs consensus)
  3. Decision making (majority vote vs consensus)
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Characteristics of policy actors

  1. Capability to influence policy (e.g. resources)
  2. Perception of social problems
  3. Preferences (goals and values that drive actions and influence policy making)
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Public actors

  1. Executive branch ; implementing and enforcing laws
  2. Ministerial structures ; executive branch in specific areas
  • e.g. health care or education
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Private actors

  1. Interest groups
  2. Social movements ; lobbying, corporations
  3. Experts ; epistemic community
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Epistemic community

Community of experts and technical specialists (private actors) who share a set of beliefs and a way to approach problems

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Meritocratic system

Bureaucracy based on expertise and technical skills

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Spoils system

Bureaucracy based on political loyalty

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Meritocratic vs Spoils system

Bureaucracy based on expertise vs Bureaucracy based on political loyalty

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Stages of the Policy cycle

  1. Agenda setting
  2. Formulation
  3. Decision
  4. Implementation
  5. Evaluation
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Structure vs agency

Structure: Already existing norms, values etc. That create a basis for society Agency: The ability of actors to act/exercise their own will

  • Structure limits agency
  • Agency shapes structure
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Types of knowledge considered in policy

  1. Analytical
  2. Operational
  3. Political
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Wicked problem

A complex issue that is hard to define, understand and solve

  1. No definite formulation of the problem
  2. No clear solutions
  3. No right or wrong answers
  4. Hard to predict consequences of actions taken
  5. Many stakeholders with different goals
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Super wicked problem

Are wicked problems, but also involve analytical, operational and political challenges that make them hard to address

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Wicked vs super wicked problems

They are more urgent and require more collaboration

  • Time constraint
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Key skills required for policy actors

  1. Political acumen (knowledge and experience)
  2. Analytical skills
  3. Managerial skills
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Sovereignty

Nation states have complete power within their own borders

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Polity

Various institutional structures that constitute a political system

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Bureaucracy

A government institution that makes decisions on behalf of democratic representatives

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Democratic republics

  1. Unitary - one central government (NL)
  2. Federal - Power is divided between central + state/local governments (US)
  3. Confederal - Power is divided between independent governments (Belgium, EU)
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Negative and Positive liberty

Negative: Freedom from coercion + imposition (fundamental human rights) Positive: Freedom to live as you please

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Negative and Positive rights

Negative: Obligation of the government to inaction

  • e.g. freedom of speech Positive: Obligation of the government to action
  • e.g. education, healthcare
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The Polis model

A political society where individuals recognize the importance of the common good and collective wellbeing Altruism + self interest

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The Market model

A political society where individuals only focus on self interest

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The Polis model vs the Market model

Common good and well being and self interest vs Self interest alone

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Collective action problems

Individuals do not want to contribute to collective problems due to personal costs

  • e.g. climate change
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The Polis model most important points

  1. Focus on public interest
  2. Loyalty is the norm
  3. Cooperation is as important as competition
  4. Information is incomplete and used strategically
  5. Governed by both laws of passion and laws of matter
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Laws of passion

Passions, emotions and beliefs play a role in a political process

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Decision making principles

  1. Consequentialism/utilitarianism Main idea: Action is good if it is best for the greater good
  2. Deontology Main idea: Action is either good or bad. The outcome doesn't matter
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Forms of logic (reasoning)

  1. Deductive reasoning
  2. Inductive reasoning (from observation to conclusion)
  3. Abductive reasoning (same as inductive reasoning only allows other options to be possible; doesn't make concrete conclusions)
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Forms of expertise in decision making

  1. Technocracy Decision making is led by experts, they should have political power 2.Decisionism Political leaders make decisions also if they lack expert knowledge. Politicians choose experts and evidence that aligns with them
  2. Pragmatism Middle ground
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Decision making models

  1. Comprehensive rationality
  2. Incremental model
  3. Garbage can model
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Comprehensive rationality

Main idea: Assumes a logical process where all values, objectives and potential solutions are considered in all steps of the policy cycle Strengths: systematic, aims to be comprehensive Weaknesses: Must consider exiting policies, bounded rationality as there is multiple actors

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The incremental model

Main idea: Change should be gradual over time Strengths: Politically achievable, easy to implement and adaptable to changes Weaknesses: May not address more systematic issues/ long term goals. It also preferences the status quo (people are reluctant to change)

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Garbage can model

Main idea: Assumes that everything is floating around in a garbage can and they have to find each other (problems and solutions) It strives for a satisfying and sufficient solution --> whatever get the job done Strengths: Realistic, encourages understanding Weaknesses: Pessimistic, other solutions aren't really explored and often not clear (ammbiguity)

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Agency

The ability for individuals to shape and influence the structures around them.

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Structure

Pre-existing norms, values, and social structures that influence individual actions.

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Policy Evaluation

The process of assessing the effectiveness of a policy after implementation.

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Policy Implementation

Translating a policy decision into concrete actions by specific actors.

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Policy Decision

The official selection of a policy course of action from various alternatives.

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Policy Formulation

The development of detailed plans and strategies for addressing a specific issue.

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Agenda Setting

The process of bringing an issue to the attention of policymakers and making it a priority.

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Political Acumen

The ability to understand and navigate complex political environments, including understanding power dynamics and political motivations.

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Analytical Skills

The ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and draw sound conclusions.

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Managerial Skills

The ability to manage projects, lead teams, and coordinate resources effectively.

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Deontology

The belief that actions are morally right or wrong based on their intrinsic nature, regardless of their consequences.

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Consequentialism/Utilitarianism

The belief that the morality of an action is determined by its consequences, aiming to maximize happiness for the greatest number of people.

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Technocracy

A decision-making model that emphasizes the role of experts and technical knowledge in policymaking.

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Decisionism

A decision-making model where political leaders take the lead, even when lacking expert knowledge.

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Pragmatism

A decision-making model that seeks to find practical and workable solutions to problems, often incorporating elements of both expertise and political considerations.

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Incremental Model

A decision-making model that emphasizes the gradual evolution of policy through small, incremental changes over time.

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Information Literacy

The ability to understand and use information strategically in a political context.

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Collective Action

The process of individuals working together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.

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Study Notes

Public Policy Year 2 - Study Notes

  • Constitution: Defines government principles and rules.

  • Centralization of Government:

  • Unitary: Single central government.

  • Federal: Shared sovereignty between multiple levels.

  • Unitarianism: One central government.

  • Federalism: Shared sovereignty across multiple levels.

  • Branches of Power:

  • Legislative: Creates laws.

  • Executive: Enforces laws.

  • Judiciary: Interprets laws.

  • Checks and Balances: Each branch limits the others.

  • Accountability.

  • Supernational Institutions:

  • Strength: Tackle issues needing transnational cooperation.

  • Weakness: Member states cede some sovereignty.

  • Examples: EU

  • Power to directly legislate and enforce laws within member states.

  • Intergovernmental Institutions:

  • Members cooperate voluntarily without losing sovereignty.

  • Supernational vs. Intergovernmental Institutions:

  • Sovereignty: Supernational loses, Intergovernmental retains.

  • Authority: Supernational has direct authority, Intergovernmental has consensual authority.

  • Decision-making: Supernational uses majority votes, Intergovernmental uses consensus.

  • Policy Actors' Characteristics:

  • Influencing Capability: Resources to impact policy.

  • Problem Perception: Understanding of social problems.

  • Preferences: Values and goals influencing actions.

  • Public Actors:

  • Executive Branch: Enforces laws, implements policies.

  • Ministerial Structures: Specific branches within the executive (e.g., health, education).

  • Private Actors:

  • Interest Groups: Advocacy for specific interests.

  • Social Movements: Collective action for social change.

  • Experts: (Epistemic Communities): Specialized knowledge.

  • Epistemic Community: Group of experts sharing knowledge and approaches regarding a specific issue.

  • Meritocratic System: Bureaucracy based on expertise.

  • Spoils System: Bureaucracy based on political loyalty.

  • Policy Cycle Stages:

  • Agenda Setting: Identifying issues.

  • Formulation: Developing solutions.

  • Decision: Choosing a course of action.

  • Implementation: Putting the decision into action.

  • Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness.

  • Structure vs. Agency:

  • Structure: Existing norms, values, and societal frameworks.

  • Agency: Ability of actors to act and exert their will (influenced by structures).

  • Essential Knowledge:

  • Analytical: Logical reasoning.

  • Operational: Practical application.

  • Political: Understanding of social and political context.

  • Wicked Problems:

  • Characteristics: Complex issues with no clear definitions, solutions, or outcomes.

  • Uncertainty of consequences.

  • Multiple stakeholders: Diverse goals.

  • No clear formulation of the problem itself.

  • No clear solutions.

  • No right or wrong answer.

  • Hard to predict the consequences of actions.

  • Super Wicked Problems:

  • Urgent wicked problems with analytical, operational, and political complexities.

  • Policy Actor Skills:

  • Political Acumen: Knowledge of politics.

  • Analytical Skills: Logical thinking and problem-solving.

  • Managerial Skills: Organizing implementation.

  • Sovereignty: Complete power within a nation's borders.

  • Polity: Institutional structures of a political system.

  • Bureaucracy: Government institutions making decisions.

  • Democratic Republics (Types):

  • Unitary: Single central government (e.g., Netherlands).

  • Federal: Power shared between central and local governments (e.g., USA).

  • Confederal: Independent governments cooperate formally (e.g., EU).

  • Negative vs. Positive Liberty:

  • Negative: Freedom from constraints.

  • Positive: Freedom to act.

  • Negative vs. Positive Rights:

  • Negative: Obligation of the government to inaction.

  • Positive: Obligation of the government to action.

  • The Polis Model:

  • Society prioritizes the common good.

  • Altruism and self-interest coexist. Values and beliefs drive political processes.

  • The Market Model:

  • Self-interest is paramount.

  • Collective Action Problems: Individual costs outweigh the benefits associated with collective action (e.g., climate change).

  • Polis Model Key Points:

  • Public Interest: Focus on common goals.

  • Loyalty: Social cohesion.

  • Cooperation: Key element.

  • Information: Incomplete, used strategically

  • Governing factors: Laws of passion & of matter.

  • Laws of Passion: Emotions, beliefs, and values influencing political decisions.

  • Decision-Making Principles:

  • Consequentialism/Utilitarianism: Best outcome for the majority.

  • Deontology: Actions are inherently good or bad.

  • Forms of Logic:

  • Deductive Reasoning: From general to specific.

  • Inductive Reasoning: From specific to general.

  • Abductive Reasoning: From observation to possible explanations.

  • Forms of Expertise in Decision Making:

  • Technocracy: Experts make decisions.

  • Decisionism: Political leaders choose experts with their own perspective.

  • Pragmatism: Balanced approach.

  • Decision-Making Models:

  • Comprehensive Rationality: All options considered.

  • Incremental Model: Gradual changes.

  • Garbage Can Model: Solutions and problems arise and combine randomly.

  • Comprehensive Rationality:

  • Main Idea: All values, solutions, and objectives considered.

  • Strengths: Systematic.

  • Weaknesses: Bounded rationality and existing policies, multifaceted actors.

  • Incremental Model:

  • Main Idea: Gradual change.

  • Strengths: Politically feasible, adaptable.

  • Weaknesses: May not address long-term issues, prefers status quo.

  • Garbage Can Model:

  • Main Idea: Related to the randomness of combining problems and solutions

  • Strengths: Realistic, encourages understanding

  • Weaknesses: Pessimistic, ambiguity regarding clarity on different solutions

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This quiz covers essential topics in public policy for Year 2 students. It includes the principles of government defined by the constitution, the centralization of government, branches of power, and the differences between supranational and intergovernmental institutions. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts.

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