List and explain the differences between the elite, bureaucratic, special interest, and pluralist theories of public policy formation
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Describe elite theory in terms of societies being divided into elites and masses. The elites have power to make and implement policy, while the masses simply respond to the desires of the elites. Elite theorists believe that an unequal distribution of power in society is normal and inevitable.
2. Describe bureaucratic theory as dictating that all institutions have fallen under the control of a large and ever-growing bureaucracy that carries out policy using standardized procedures, empowering bureaucrats at the expense of elected officials.
3. Describe special interest theory in terms of interest groups that control the governmental process.
4. Describe pluralism in terms of political resources that are scattered so widely that no single group could ever gain monopoly control over any substantial area of policy.
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When it came to public opinion, the Founders of the United States were principally concerned with what?
a. that public opinion would undermine the supremacy of the legislature b. that public opinion would be susceptible to radical and frequent shifts c. that public opinion would too closely mirror public policies d. that public opinion would be immoveable in times of crisis
Which of these ideas was first advanced by Adam Smith?
a. Human beings are fundamentally moral. b. Self-interest can produce social benefits. c. Governments have a role in preserving traditions. d. The government is inherently hostile to individual rights.
What is police patrol oversight?
What will be an ideal response?
The case study examining the impact of economic reforms
that took place in India in the 1980s found that: a. privatizing nationalized firms led to more efficient use of national resources and faster growth. b. increasing government licensing requirements protected consumers from shoddy goods. c. increased tariffs encouraged foreign competition and made domestic firms more competitive. d. economic deregulation had mixed effects, depending on whether someone lived in urban or rural India.