What is the biggest problem America faces today? What is the problem? How can we fix it?

The Policy-Making Process Public policy is government action or inaction taken to deal with problems and concerns. Policy Adoption Problem Recognition Budgeting Agenda Setting Policy Implementation Policy Formulation Policy Evaluation

Policy Making Step by Step Problem Recognition and Definition – Specifically identify what the problem is. Agenda Setting – How will the problem be brought to the attention of public officials and put on the agenda? Policy Formation – Craft appropriate and acceptable solutions to the problem. Routine Formulation – Using existing policy to solve the problem. Analogous Formulation – Using policy that has successfully worked in the past. Creative Formulation – Developing a new policy to deal with the problem. Policy Adoption – Getting the policy passed through the legislative process or adopted by the an administration.

Policy Making con’t Budgeting – Determining the cost of the policy and going through the process of getting funds appropriated. Policy Implementation – Carrying out the policy Authoritative Techniques – Creating a punishment that forces compliance. Incentive Techniques – Providing incentives to get compliance. Example: Tax deductions. Capacity Techniques – Providing information and training that will encourage compliance. Hortatory Techniques – Appealing to the “good side” of citizens to encourage compliance. Policy Evaluation – Determining if the policy was effective.

How do you break up an Iron Triangle?

Iron Triangle #1 What issues might they focus on ? AARP House Sub-Committee on Aging Social Security Administration

Iron Triangle #2 Fill in the blanks. Defense Contractors (companies that build weapons)

Iron Triangle #3 Fill in the blanks. Gay Rights Organizations

Control??? Executive Branch What controls do each of the following have over the Iron Triangle? Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch