M07 Discussion: Public Policy and Policy-Making
Consider the policy-making process. In order to review, read section 13.3 of your assigned textbook
... [Show More] closely, focusing on the three main stages of policy-making identified by the authors on pages 322-325 (2nd Edition):
· Identifying a problem and putting it on the government agenda;
· Making or formulating a policy and then adopting it; and
· Implementing and evaluating the policy.
Discuss at least one policy issue from the text, in the news currently [that is NOT your topic for Writing Assignment #3] and address the following.
Write 1-2 well developed paragraph(s), answering the following questions:
• At what point in the policy process do citizens have the most influence?
• At what point in the policy process does the media have the most influence?
• At what point in the policy process do special interests have the most influence?
• Consider your circumstances, how could you as a citizen be more involved at every level of the policy making process?
• Using your knowledge of the policy process, what could you do today (with your current knowledge and resources) to influence policy?
In your discussion post, you may also consider (only after addressing the above!) the policy-making process as it relates to your letter to an elected official. Consider the political issue that you have chosen for Writing Assignment #3. Your letter to an elected official is an opportunity to influence the policy making process. Consider what you have learned about this issue and submit answers to the following questions.
• In which stage of the policy making process is your issue?
• Because the policy making process is cyclical, you may argue that your issue is in several different stages of policy making. Please explain your reasoning.
• How can you use your knowledge of the policy making process to write a more persuasive letter? (Hint: Your final request for action may change depending on the policy stage.) [Show Less]