Public Policy

Introduction Public Policy is any policy created by the government which affects the whole population What are some public policies you can think of that affect the whole population of the United States?

Introduction Read the introduction to Chapter 16 on “Public Policy” and answer the following questions: Was the idea for health care reform and coverage the result of one party or both? How do you know? What two other health care programs preceded the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)? What was the outlook of American in regards to spending and coverage on health care before Obama became president? What three additions to the ACA seemed to turn the public mood against it? What proposal was dropped and led to the passage of the ACA on Christmas Eve 2009? Does this example show making policy for the whole is outlandish or a necessary component of democracy?

Setting Public Policy What are the three categories of public policy? Copy the circle of policy making steps in your notes with a short explanation of each step. Example: Agenda Setting – first step, identifying which issues the government must address

Things You Need to Know Group of Seven: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States European Union also has representation but not full membership Policies can spill over to different categories, causing confusion and fights over who gets to regulate what money and policy Example: Immigration – affects domestic policy with housing, jobs, citizenship but also affects foreign policy in regards to how many immigrants are allowed in from each country and how the leaders feel about the policy Local vs Regional vs National Media Coverage Local and regional media may not accurately reflect the national media’s opinions Example: Obamacare was very unpopular in Utah but very popular in California

Group Teach Mr. Judy will split the class into three groups. Each group will be assigned a category of public policy. You are to read the section, take notes, and prepare to teach it next class to members in the other groups.