Understanding Public Policy

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Cutting-edge in approach, this book gives readers concrete tools for not only understanding public policy in general, but for analyzing specific public policies. It focuses on what policies governments pursue, why governments pursue the policies they do, and what the consequences of these policies are. Very contemporary in perspective, it introduces eight analytical models currently used by political scientists to describe and explain political life and then, using these various analytical models—singly and in combination—explores specific public policies in a variety of key domestic policy areas. Explores eight analytic models—rationalism, incrementalism, elitism, interest group conflict, institutionalism, game theory, public choice, and the familiar policy process model. Uses the various analytic models to describe and explain public policy in such areas as criminal justice, health and welfare, education, economic policy, taxation, international trade and immigration, environmental protection, civil rights, federalism, and national defense. For anyone interested in the complex dynamics of the public policy making process in relation to a broad range of contemporary issues.

SYNOPSIS

This introductory textbook examines ten areas of public policy, including criminal justice, health and welfare, education, taxation, environmental protection, civil rights, and national defense. The volume begins with a brief description of eight analytic models used in political science, such as the institutional, process, rational, elite, and game theory models. These models are then employed throughout the volume, singly and in combination, to describe and explain public policy. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

FROM THE CRITICS

Booknews

Serves as an introduction to the study of public policy and to the models political scientists use to describe and explain political life. Overviews nine analytic models in political sciences, then looks at public policy using these various analytic models. Policy areas studied include civil rights, environmental protection, taxation, national defense, and international trade. Chapter summaries offer propositions derived from one or more of the models which attempt to summarize the policies discussed. Includes b&w photos. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews