Learning Objectives

  • Describe different theories of public policy and how they help to explain the decisions made.
  • Discuss the policy process model, from the steps associated with making public policy to the role of policy analysis in the design and formulation of policy actions and the evaluation of policies.
  • Assess different types of public policy and how their characteristics affect their development and treatment in the policy process.
  • Define the types of government functions and evaluate basic differences among policies and the political conditions that lead to them.