Author: Associate Professor of Political Science Matt Grossmann
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2018-07
Total Pages: 400
ISBN-13: 9781138776470
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Students frequently take a course in public policy because they are deeply interested in the controversial issues covered, from national health care and climate change to immigration reform and education. But they also often struggle to connect the policy issues they care about with the difficult theories of policymaking and the complicated mosaic of overlapping institutions and policy processes. Matt Grossmann offers a new approach by integrating the two, applying current research in political science and policy studies to the issues that motivate students. American Public Policymaking presents a concise synopsis of American institutions, the policy process, and standards of good governance, then uses these analytic tools to consider 11 important national issue domains. For each policy area Grossmann discusses a specific application of policy theory, a study of a controversial hot topic, a systematic comparison with other issue areas, and an overview of important actors, controversies, and institutions to give readers a clear sense of what factors lead to policy change. Rather than uncritically accept tired formulations of policy typologies, stages, subsystems, and frameworks, this exciting text presents updated empirical evidence on the role of politics in policymaking. Connecting the policy debates we hear about in political campaigns and news coverage with vital academic research gives us the tools to explain the course of political events and policy outcomes. Featuring a consistent format across the substantive policy discussions, each chapter will consider in depth a particular hot topic to illustrate the major players and their positions, the policy options, the role of political circumstances, and a particular theory or concept. Grossmann covers how policy development impacts current debates, where the parties and various interest groups stand on each issue, media attention, and public opinion to situate every issue within the overall political context. A number of pedagogical features aid student learning, including boxes on "Policy Analysis with an Impact," "Policy Networks," and "Policy Ideas and Interests."
