Public Policy and the Bureaucracy

Fill-in-the-blank practice questions covering the definition of public policy, the stages of the policy process, decision-making theories, and the role and control of bureaucracy.

The __________ focuses on economic and social development in South Africa for the year $2030$.

National Development Plan (NDP) $2030$

The stage of the policy process where public problems are identified and brought to the attention of government decision-makers is known as __________.

Policy Agenda Setting

__________ involves developing possible solutions, analyzing policy options, and designing strategies to address identified issues.

Policy Formulation

The process of assessing the effectiveness and impact of a policy after it has been implemented is called __________.

Policy Evaluation

The __________ model of decision-making views policymaking as a logical and systematic process aimed at maximizing benefits while minimizing costs.

rational

Policymaking that occurs through gradual, small adjustments and is often described as 'muddling through' is known as __________.

Incrementalism

The __________ model argues that policy decisions emerge from negotiation, bargaining, and compromise among actors within state institutions.

bureaucratic organisation

The role of values, ideologies, and personal convictions in shaping policy decisions is emphasized by the __________ model.

belief system

A clear chain of command from top leadership to lower-level officials is a characteristic of bureaucracy known as __________.

hierarchy of authority

The characteristic of bureaucracy where tasks are specialized and assigned based on expertise is called __________.

division of labour

In bureaucracies, __________ ensures that decisions are made based on established rules rather than personal relationships.

impersonality

Delayed decision-making and excessive paperwork in a bureaucratic system is often referred to as __________.

red tape

The constitutional principle of __________ ensures that government ministers are accountable for the performance and conduct of their departments.

ministerial responsibility

In South Africa, the __________ performs the role of an ombudsman by investigating complaints of maladministration against state institutions.

Public Protector South Africa

The __________ is the South African framework that guarantees fair administrative procedures and allows for judicial review of bureaucratic power.

Promotion of Administrative Justice Act

The __________ promotes transparency by allowing citizens to request information from public bodies in South Africa.

Promotion of Access to Information Act

A __________ approach to policy decisions relies on expert knowledge, data, and professional analysis.

technocratic