PADM530Wk2@

References Anyebe, A.A. (2018). An overview of approaches to the study of public policy. International Journal of Political Science. 4(1) pp8-17 retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijps/v4-i1/2.pdf

Easton, D. (1965). A Systems Analysis of Political Life. New York: Wiley. Foreign Assistance: Selected Agencies’ Monitoring and Evaluation Policies Generally Address Leading Practices (Rep. No. GAO -16- 861R). (2016). Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/680042.pdf

The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). The Public Policy Process. Retrieved from http://www.laits.utexas.edu/gov310/PEP/policy/

The Policy Process Defined

The International Journal of Policy Science (https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijps/v4-i1/2.pdf)has

some good information about these.

As you study theory, remember a hypothesis is a best guess at the answer to a question with an

unknown answer. It is a tentative explanation or an educated guess.  On the other hand, a theory is a

principle that explains phenomena that has already occurred and has been proven.  It is imperative to

remember that they are not the same.

It is important to remember that theories are used to analyze. In this case, they are used to analyze

how public policy is made. Often, more than one theory will apply to a policy decision. First, we will

examine �ve of the more common theories and as we move on from theory to practice. The policy

process model will look at the various stages of the policy process, and the roles and relationships of

policy actors within each stage. This model is the logical sequence of activities regarding any new

public policy, and there are six basic stages of the public policy process.



The Policy Process Model

As we examine policy process, we notice the policy process model examines the stages and roles of the

relationships in each state. 

For the sake of simplicity, we will look at the procedure for federal law. Remember, this may be

somewhat different at the state and local levels.

The University of Texas at Austin (http://www.laits.utexas.edu/gov310/PEP/policy/) shows the

public policy process as a cycle with the most common steps included as:



01 Problem identi�cation

02 Agenda setting

03 Policy making

04 Budgeting

05 Implementation

06 Education

While various sources have countless steps, with many use different names, most follow the same

outlined procedure above. You can begin anywhere in the cycle, but we will begin with the

identi�cation of the problem.  A policy problem exists because there is a need or a dissatisfaction with

the current state of affairs. People begin to look for alternatives and �nd a place on the agenda so the

issue can be presented. Once the issue is on the agenda, those who create policy put the alternative

they wish to implement before Congress and the alternative goes through the process of becoming

accepted.

A detailed description as to how Congress enacts law(s) in how laws are made is designed to assist you

learn about the legislative process.  At the federal level, this process requires congressional and

presidential action as de�ned in Article 1, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution. While it has become more

complicated with many more details the basic idea is that it has to pass both houses of Congress before

going to the President for a signature. If the President vetoes the bill, it is returned to Congress.

Congress can override that veto by passing the bill again with a two-thirds majority, in which case the

law becomes a law without the President’s signature. The president might also take no action. After

ten days (not including Sundays), the bill becomes a law, but only if congress is still in session.

Complicated, sure!  However, the process is not yet complete.  Congress must further provide

appropriations prior to funds allocated on the new law. This brings issues of its own as the only money

Congress has to spend is money it collects in taxes and fees (generally paid by the people) or borrows

(which increases the debt).  

This leads to implementation of the policy, in which the executive branch carries out the new law. As

the law begins to affect the people, Congress and the General Accounting Of�ce (GAO) evaluate what

they have done. Outside entities, such as think tanks, the media, and citizens also evaluate how the law

has worked or not worked. In addition to examining the intended effects of policy, these groups

examine the unintended consequences. For example, in one area, taxes might be raised so much that

people who are working leave the area in greater numbers than before. This could result in a net loss of

tax income since there are fewer taxpayers to pay the taxes.

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Overview

Welcome to Week 2.

This week we continue our exploration of public policy by looking at the theories

of politics and public policy. It is important to remember that theories are used to

analyze. In this case, they are used to analyze how public policy is made. Often,

more than one theory will apply to a policy decision. We are going to examine four

of the more common theories. 

Course Objectives

01 CO1: Evaluate the theoretical basis of policymaking process. 

02 CO4: Evaluate the policymaking process.