Indian Polity & Governance – Public Policy and Governance
Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) – Preliminary Examination
General Studies Paper I (Objective, 200 Marks)
Topic: Indian Polity & Governance
Sub-Topic: Public Policy and Governance
Public Policy and Governance – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Q1. Public policy primarily refers to:
A. Decisions taken by political parties
B. Guidelines issued by courts
C. Government’s course of action to address public problems
D. Administrative rules only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Public policy is the government’s deliberate course of action or inaction to solve public issues and achieve social goals.
Q2. Which of the following best defines governance?
A. Exercise of political power only
B. Management of public resources and institutions
C. Role of opposition parties
D. Functioning of courts alone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Governance involves decision-making, implementation, and management of public resources and institutions.
Q3. Good governance is characterized by:
A. Centralization of power
B. Transparency and accountability
C. Political dominance
D. Limited public participation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Good governance emphasizes transparency, accountability, participation, efficiency, and rule of law.
Q4. Which principle ensures citizens’ access to information?
A. Accountability
B. Transparency
C. Equity
D. Efficiency
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Transparency ensures open access to government information, enhancing trust and reducing corruption.
Q5. Public policy formulation is primarily the responsibility of:
A. Judiciary
B. Bureaucracy alone
C. Legislature and Executive
D. Media
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Public policies are formulated mainly by the legislature and executive, with inputs from experts and stakeholders.
Q6. Which stage comes first in the public policy cycle?
A. Policy evaluation
B. Policy formulation
C. Policy implementation
D. Problem identification
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The policy cycle begins with identifying a public problem requiring government action.
Q7. Which institution plays a key role in policy implementation?
A. Legislature
B. Judiciary
C. Bureaucracy
D. Election Commission
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The bureaucracy implements policies by translating decisions into action.
Q8. Which of the following promotes participatory governance?
A. Ordinances
B. Public consultations
C. Executive orders
D. Judicial activism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Public consultations allow citizens and stakeholders to participate in policymaking.
Q9. Evidence-based policymaking relies mainly on:
A. Political ideology
B. Media opinion
C. Data and research
D. Public protests
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Evidence-based policymaking uses data, statistics, and research to design effective policies.
Q10. Which concept focuses on outcomes rather than procedures?
A. Traditional administration
B. New Public Management
C. Rule-based governance
D. Weberian bureaucracy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
New Public Management (NPM) emphasizes efficiency, results, and performance measurement.
Q11. Which of the following is an example of social policy?
A. Foreign trade policy
B. Defence policy
C. Education policy
D. Monetary policy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Education policy aims at social development and welfare, making it a social policy.
Q12. Inclusive governance ensures:
A. Rule by elites
B. Equal participation of all sections
C. Centralized control
D. Administrative secrecy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Inclusive governance ensures participation and representation of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Q13. Which factor is crucial for successful policy implementation?
A. Political will
B. Media coverage
C. Judicial support
D. Public protests
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Strong political will ensures resources, coordination, and commitment for implementation.
Q14. Policy evaluation aims to:
A. Frame new laws
B. Assess policy effectiveness
C. Conduct elections
D. Enforce discipline
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Policy evaluation examines whether a policy has achieved its objectives and identifies gaps.
Q15. Which of the following ensures ethical governance?
A. Political pressure
B. Code of conduct
C. Electoral competition
D. Media trials
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Codes of conduct and ethical standards promote integrity and accountability in governance.
Q16. Decentralization in governance primarily leads to:
A. Central dominance
B. Local empowerment
C. Administrative delay
D. Policy uniformity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Decentralization empowers local institutions, improving responsiveness and participation.
Q17. Which body audits public expenditure in India?
A. Election Commission
B. Finance Commission
C. Comptroller and Auditor General
D. Planning Commission
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The CAG ensures financial accountability by auditing government expenditure.
Q18. Which concept links governance with technology?
A. Digital governance
B. Judicial governance
C. Military governance
D. Corporate governance
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Digital governance uses technology to improve service delivery, transparency, and efficiency.
Q19. Which policy approach focuses on long-term national goals?
A. Ad-hoc policy
B. Short-term policy
C. Strategic policy
D. Reactive policy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Strategic policies are designed with long-term vision and sustainable development goals.
Q20. Which of the following enhances accountability in governance?
A. Ordinance making
B. Social audit
C. Delegated legislation
D. Coalition politics
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Social audits allow citizens to review public programs and expenditures.
Q21. Which governance principle emphasizes fairness?
A. Efficiency
B. Equity
C. Transparency
D. Responsiveness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Equity ensures fair treatment and equal opportunities for all sections of society.
Q22. Public policy failure often results from:
A. Excessive data
B. Weak implementation
C. Strong institutions
D. Public awareness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Even well-designed policies fail due to poor implementation and coordination.
Q23. Which institution acts as a think tank for governance reforms?
A. Supreme Court
B. NITI Aayog
C. Election Commission
D. CAG
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
NITI Aayog provides policy inputs, research, and strategic guidance.
Q24. Sustainable governance focuses on:
A. Short-term gains
B. Environmental and social balance
C. Political popularity
D. Administrative expansion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Sustainable governance balances economic growth with environmental and social needs.
Q25. Which approach encourages citizen-centric administration?
A. Authoritarian governance
B. Top-down approach
C. Bottom-up approach
D. Central planning
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Bottom-up approaches involve local communities in decision-making.
Q26. Which governance challenge arises from overlapping authority?
A. Accountability
B. Coordination failure
C. Transparency
D. Inclusiveness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Overlapping roles cause confusion and coordination failures among institutions.
Q27. Which of the following improves policy responsiveness?
A. Centralization
B. Feedback mechanisms
C. Legal rigidity
D. Policy secrecy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Feedback mechanisms help governments adapt policies to ground realities.
Q28. Public grievance redressal strengthens:
A. Political dominance
B. Administrative efficiency
C. Military governance
D. Judicial overreach
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Effective grievance redressal improves efficiency, trust, and accountability.
Q29. Which governance model emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders?
A. Hierarchical model
B. Network governance
C. Bureaucratic model
D. Centralized model
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Network governance involves government, private sector, and civil society working together.
Q30. Public policy and governance aim primarily to:
A. Strengthen bureaucracy
B. Maintain political power
C. Promote public welfare
D. Increase administrative control
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The ultimate objective is public welfare and socio-economic development.
✅ APSC Prelims Smart Tip
For Public Policy & Governance, focus on:
- Definitions & concepts
- Policy cycle stages
- Good governance principles
- Accountability & transparency tools
- Contemporary governance challenges
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Public policy MCQs for APSC
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Governance concepts MCQs prelims
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Good governance principles APSC
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Policy cycle questions APSC
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Indian Polity governance MCQs
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Accountability transparency MCQs
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NITI Aayog policy MCQs