Spring Semester 2012

SAMPLE EXAM TEST BANK

                                                    

 

Below are a few of the retired sample questions in my test bank for this course. 

 

SAMPLE MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

 

1.  Public policy can be summarized as:

a)  what government chooses to do or not to do

b)  determining why governments do what they do & the difference it makes

c)  the actions of government that serve the public good

d)  All of the Above

 

2.  The purpose of models includes all of the following EXCEPT:

a)  simplifying and clarifying our thinking about public policy

b)  proscribing the correct solution to a public problem

c)  helping us communicate by focusing on the main issues

d)  suggesting explanation for policy and predict its consequences

 

3.  Evaluating a policy by looking at how many changes have occurred and by how much is an example of what?

a)  observing how much spent per target group

b)  considering the efficiency

c)  analyzing the target, not non-target groups

d)  measuring impact, not outputs

 

4.  The policy model that focuses on achieving maximum social gain is known as:

a)  rationalism

b)  incrementalism

c)  institutionalism

d)  elite theory 

 

5.  The Bottom-Up approach in setting policy agendas maintains that:

a)  any problem can be identified by individuals or groups

b)  the political elite really shape public opinion

c)  most public policy issues are determined by the media

d)  only a few individuals have a say in the creation of policy

 

SAMPLE ESSAY RESPONSE QUESTIONS

 

Essay Response 1: Describe each step (6) of the Policy Making Process (as outlined by the Dye text and in class), noting the name and order each step, in addition to a describing the basics of that step.  Apply one real-life example and explain how it followed (or deviated from) the process.  Which part do you believe is most important?  Be sure to explain why.

 

Essay Response 2: Explain the ways (5) in which Policy Evaluation is considered, describing each way and providing an example of how this could occur (using a real example from any level of policy: federal, state, or local).  Why is policy evaluation important in the context of the policy cycle?  Which aspect do you believe is the most important?  Be sure to explain why.