1. Chapter 13 Government and Public Policy
Policy Process
Policy Purposes of National Government

2. Public policy
Public policy is any decision made by any government institution.
“…whatever governments choose to do or not to do.
National public policy usually falls in one of two categories - domestic and foreign.
Policy decisions almost always affect groups in different ways causing contentious debate.

3. Basic Models of Policymaking
Systems Model - decisions based on interaction of social, economic, and political sectors of society.
Bureaucratic Model - decisions and policy enforcement left up to the experts within the government bureaucracy.
Economic Models - Marxism and Free Market.

4. Models Bases on Who Makes the Policy Decisions
Elitism - decisions made by small group (big business, mass media, military) for their own self interest not the interest of all citizens.
Pluralism - decisions are the direct result of continuing struggles among many contesting groups that represent a broad range of citizen interests.

5. Models Based on How Policy Decisions are Made
Rational-Comprehensive Approach
identify problems, prioritize, consider all options, select and implement those policies with lowest cost and most benefit.
Incrementalism
build on existing policies modifying them as necessary in the general public interest.

6. Stages of Decision Process
Getting Issues on the Agenda
can be domestic or foreign issues
must be a salient concern
Formulating Proposals
usually includes a policy issue strategy.
Adopting Policy
legislative executive or judicial action
Implementing Policy
bureaucratic action
Evaluating Policy

7. Public Policy Categories
Domestics Policy - decisions about matters affecting individuals within a political system.
Foreign Policy - collective national decisions about relations with other national entities.

8. Current Policy Examples
Fair Labor Standards Act
Overtime Pay Categories
Pay Equity Amendment - (3 attempts in 107th)
Minimum Wage Fairness Act 2007
CAFTA
Executive Order
12333 – reorganizing intelligence assets
13395 – funding global fight against TB
13411 – disaster relief after Katrina
continuance of certain federal Advisory Committees and amendments to and revocation of other Executive Orders
Criminal Enforcement of Internet Copyright laws