Chapter 17: Domestic Policy Part I (pp )

Public Policy What is it? –Course of action followed by government in dealing with some problem or matter of concern.

Theories on Domestic Policy Elite Theory: the elite make the important decisions in society. Bureaucratic Theory: All institutions have fallen under the control of a large bureaucracy. Interest Group Theory: Interest groups control the governmental process Pluralist Theory: Political power is divided among a wide array of diverse and competing interest groups.

Stages in Policy-Making Process 1) Problem Recognition: Identification of problem that needs government intervention 2) Agenda Setting: problems worthy of intervention a) Systemic agenda b) Governmental agenda c) President and interest groups key roles 3) Policy Formulation: making of appropriate and acceptable courses of action to resolve public problems

4) Policy adoption: approval of a policy proposal by the people, giving it legal force 5) Budgeting: allocation of resources ($) to provide for proper implementation 6) Policy Implementation: carrying out public policy through governmental agencies and the courts. a) Authoritative techniques: fines, penalties, withhold funding b) Incentive techniques: payoffs or financial inducements c) Capacity techniques (i.e. job training, education, etc.) d) Hortatory techniques: appealing to people’s “better instincts”

Stages in Policy-Making Process 7) Policy evaluation: the analysis and follow up of a policy to assess how it is (or is not) working.

Getting on the Congressional Agenda President is an important agenda-setter for Congress Interest groups are major actors and initiators in the agenda-setting process Major problems that evolve from crisis or other extraordinary event may receive automatic agenda status Individuals may also push issues to the congressional agenda –Private citizens, members of Congress, other officials

Income Security Great Depression –Social and economic thinking began to change –Idea that government could and should be used as a positive influence in society –FDR elected in 1932 Unemployment extremely high; bad for economy Created Civil Works Administration by executive order to put people to work –Creation of Social Security 1935 law established old-age insurance (Social Security) and assistance for the needy, children, and others, and unemployment insurance

Health Care National health insurance considered at time Social Security legislation was passed –A–AMA strongly opposed it; so it was omitted 1945 Truman put health insurance on the national policy agenda again –F–First idea received favorably by public –A–AMA opposed again; fearful of regulation Medicare introduced by Johnson –P–Provide hospital care for the elderly already covered by Social Security –W–Wilbur Mills (D-AR) Chair Ways and Means Expanded policy: included Medicaid

Public Education Until the 20 th century, public education had been almost the exclusive province of the state and local governments. –Northwest Ordinance of GI Bill began federal government’s involvement in helping people pay for education beyond high school –Pell Grants –Loan guarantees Reliance on local property taxes to fund schools –Disparities among different districts Today federal government assumes more responsibility for public education than it has in the past.