Comparative Public Policy Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Which of the following is a fundamental principle guiding comparative public policy analysis?

Accepted Answer

Cross-national comparisons

Answer

Identification of best practices

Answer

Evaluation of policy effectiveness

Answer

Formulation of universal policy models

Question 2

In the United Kingdom, healthcare services are predominantly provided by the National Health Service (NHS). What is the primary characteristic of the NHS's funding model?

Accepted Answer

Tax-based, universal coverage

Answer

Insurance-based, means-tested

Answer

Private, voluntary participation

Answer

Government-funded, employer-based

Question 3

The term 'welfare state' primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Government provision of social security programs

Answer

Private charitable organizations and voluntary assistance

Answer

Minimum wage and labor market regulations

Answer

Publicly funded healthcare and education

Question 4

What is meant by the concept of 'policy diffusion' in comparative public policy?

Accepted Answer

The spread of policy ideas and practices across national borders

Answer

The adoption of international treaties and agreements

Answer

The transfer of best practices between jurisdictions

Answer

The influence of supranational organizations on policymaking

Question 5

In the context of healthcare policy, which of the following is a typical goal of universal healthcare systems?

Accepted Answer

Providing affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens

Answer

Maximizing individual choice

Answer

Promoting private sector growth

Answer

Reducing government expenditure

Question 6

Which of the following approaches to education policy emphasizes standardized testing and accountability as primary mechanisms for improving educational outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Neoliberal education

Answer

Progressive education

Answer

Market-based education

Answer

Socialist education

Question 7

Which of the following factors is NOT a key influence on public policy decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Random chance

Answer

Political ideologies

Answer

Economic factors

Answer

Social and cultural values

Question 8

What is the primary objective of comparative public policy?

Accepted Answer

To learn from diverse policy approaches and practices

Answer

To identify universally applicable policy solutions

Answer

To promote cultural homogenization across countries

Answer

To justify the superiority of one's own policy system

Question 9

Which of the following is a distinctive feature of the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

It provides universal healthcare coverage to all UK residents

Answer

It is predominantly funded through private insurance premiums

Answer

It operates on a fee-for-service basis

Answer

It is governed by a centralized authority

Question 10

In what way has globalization impacted public policy?

Accepted Answer

It has diminished national sovereignty and increased interdependence

Answer

It has strengthened national sovereignty and autonomy

Answer

It has reduced the need for international cooperation

Answer

It has had no significant impact on public policy

Question 11

What is the overarching purpose of welfare policies?

Accepted Answer

To provide social protection and reduce poverty

Answer

To promote economic growth and prosperity

Answer

To regulate and control the behavior of individuals

Answer

To enhance national security and military capabilities

Question 12

In the context of education policy, 'equity' typically means:

Accepted Answer

Equal opportunities for all students to access and succeed in education

Answer

Standardized testing for all students

Answer

School choice for parents

Answer

Private education for students from wealthy families

Question 13

A policy that aims to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions could be categorized as:

Accepted Answer

Environmental policy

Answer

Economic policy

Answer

Social policy

Answer

Foreign policy

Question 14

Which of the following is the most accurate definition of policy framing?

Accepted Answer

The presentation of policy issues to the public and policymakers

Answer

The development and implementation of public policy

Answer

The analysis of policy impacts on different societal groups

Answer

The evaluation of policy effectiveness

Question 15

Identify the primary factors influencing public policy decisions:

Accepted Answer

A combination of all three

Answer

Political ideologies

Answer

Economic conditions

Answer

Public opinions

Question 16

What is a defining characteristic of the UK welfare system?

Accepted Answer

A combination of all three

Answer

Universal benefits

Answer

Income-based eligibility

Answer

Contribution-based eligibility

Question 17

In the United Kingdom, which governmental department holds responsibility for healthcare policy?

Accepted Answer

Department of Health and Social Care

Answer

Department for Education

Answer

Department for Work and Pensions

Answer

Ministry of Justice

Question 18

What is the primary aim of conducting a policy impact evaluation?

Accepted Answer

To determine the effectiveness of a policy

Answer

To identify potential unintended consequences

Answer

To assess the cost-benefit ratio

Answer

To predict the future impact of a policy

Question 19

How does political ideology influence public policy?

Accepted Answer

By shaping the values and priorities of policymakers

Answer

By dictating the specific programs and interventions implemented

Answer

By predicting the outcomes of policy decisions

Answer

By ensuring that policy is implemented in a rational and objective manner

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of the British welfare system?

Accepted Answer

Privatized social security

Answer

Universal health provision

Answer

Means-tested benefits

Answer

Contributory benefits

Question 21

The concept of 'path dependency' in public policy refers to the idea that:

Accepted Answer

Policy decisions are often constrained by past decisions

Answer

Policymakers are always rational actors

Answer

The public always supports government policies

Answer

Policies never change

Question 22

The concept of 'public value' in the context of public policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

The outcomes and benefits that society derives from government policies

Answer

The costs and trade-offs associated with government policies

Answer

The preferences of policymakers and interest groups

Answer

The level of public support for government policies

Question 23

In comparative public policy, 'path dependence' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The influence of historical and institutional factors on current policy choices

Answer

The tendency of policies to evolve gradually over time

Answer

The resistance to policy change

Answer

The cyclical nature of policymaking

Question 24

According to the unit, a key objective of comparative public policy is to:

Accepted Answer

Generate evidence-based insights to inform policymaking

Answer

Identify universal policy solutions applicable to all countries

Answer

Promote cultural relativism and acceptance of diverse policy approaches

Answer

Foster political cooperation and international collaboration

Question 25

According to the incrementalist model of policymaking, policy changes typically occur:

Accepted Answer

Gradually, through small, iterative adjustments

Answer

Suddenly, through major, transformative shifts

Answer

Randomly, without any discernible pattern

Answer

In response to major crises or external shocks

Question 26

The welfare state refers to a system of government-provided social programs primarily designed to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce poverty and inequality, ensuring a social safety net

Answer

Promote economic growth and job creation

Answer

Strengthen national security and defense capabilities

Answer

Preserve cultural heritage and traditions

Question 27

The concept of policy transfer refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Adoption or adaptation of policies from other countries

Answer

Exportation of policies to other countries

Answer

Evaluation of policy effectiveness and impact

Answer

Monitoring and oversight of policy implementation

Question 28

The rational choice model assumes that policymakers:

Accepted Answer

Behave rationally, seeking to maximize their individual benefits

Answer

Are primarily influenced by moral principles and ethical considerations

Answer

Make decisions based on consensus and collective bargaining

Answer

Are primarily driven by political ideology and party loyalty

Question 29

According to the theory of path dependency, policy changes are often:

Accepted Answer

Shaped by past decisions and institutional legacies

Answer

Easily reversed and quickly adapted to new circumstances

Answer

Unpredictable and largely influenced by external factors

Answer

Determined solely by rational calculations and cost-benefit analysis

Question 30

Which approach emphasizes scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based policy

Answer

Expert opinion

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT an aspect covered by this unit?

Accepted Answer

Personal political viewpoints

Answer

Policy frameworks analysis

Answer

Cross-country policy comparisons

Answer

Factors shaping policy decisions

Question 32

The process of adapting policy ideas from one context to another is known as:

Accepted Answer

Policy transfer

Answer

Policy learning

Answer

Policy diffusion

Answer

Policy convergence