A Definition A general plan of action adopted by the government to solve a social problem, counter a threat, or pursue an objective Even deciding to adopt a new policy in the face of a problem is a policy in itself Policies are the means by which government pursues certain goals in specific situations

A Model of Policmaking Agenda SettingPolicy FormationImplementationPolicy Evaluation

Agenda Setting Stage where problems are defined as political issues There are many sources of the agenda Media is highly involved Public concern; grassroots movements Interest groups/lobbying Politics plays a role in issue definition: our conception of the problem at hand Influenced by our own values and world view What are the problems and by whom should they be addressed Also important how we frame the issue Interest groups attempt to reshape the debate Ex: Death penalty is not only an issue in punishment, but has also been framed a moral issue

Policy formulation Where formal policy proposals are developed and officials decide whether to adopt them Legislation by Congress Courts’ interpretations of laws Bureaucratic rule-making

Implementation Process of putting specific policies into operation Politics are highly involved in the bargaining and negotiation to enact the policy Often involves multiple competing interest which must cooperate Who does what, when and how?

Policy Evaluation Extensive analysis is undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the policy How is the policy working in practice vs. the underlying suppositions that led to its enactment? Feedback from this step is often used to set a new or different agenda in response to these practical problems and issues created by implementation

A Model of Policymaking Agenda SettingPolicy FormationImplementationPolicy Evaluation