1. Public Policy

2. Public Policy – Simply, what government does (or decides not to do); When government takes actions or make decisions (or doesn’t), it creates policy
Tradeoffs – A government decision carries with it costs of one kind or another, just as it confers some benefit.
Unintended Consequences – When results of a certain policy are not expected (i.e. court ordered bussing in the 1970’s).

3. Types of Social Policy
Developmental Policy – designed to enhance governments economic position; strengthen the economy, enlarge the tax base.
Redistributive Policy – money is shifted ideally from the better off to the less well off (welfare). The most controversial.
Allocation Policy – involves basic services that affect all taxpayers (police, fire, garbage, at local level; national defense, health care, welfare at national level)

4. Stages in Policy Process
Problem Recognition
Social Indicators
Number of people in poverty
GDP/GNP
Crime rate
Unemployment
Events
Natural disaster (New Orleans)
Attack (9-11)
Feedback
Program performance
Government reports
Think Tanks

5. Actors in Problem Recognition
Bureaucrats
Public
Interest Groups
Elected Officials
Policy Professionals

6. Decision Making Models
Rational Comprehensive (how – democratic theory) This model assumes that rationality best describes how decisions are made (the greatest benefit for the most people)
Incrementalism (how – democratic theory) This model assumes that policies are adjustments to what has been done before, small increases or minor decreases.
Elitism (who – elite theory) This model assumes that policy does not reflect the wishes of the masses, but instead is made by the elite to advance their own interests.
Pluralism (who – pluralist theory) This model assumes that society is comprised of many different groups and that the interaction of these groups with the government shapes policy.

7. Rational-Comprehensive Process
Define
The
Problem
Specify
Goals
Enumerate
Alternative
Policies
Policy
Selection
Implement
Evaluate

8. Energy Policy
One way to look at the policy process, is to look at the U.S. Energy Policy Process.
On the surface the problems may seem straightforward:
We need energy, so we need to produce more, or
We are using too much fossil fuel, we need to use more green energy
But how do you achieve these ends without disrupting the economy? Or creating international problems?