1. Why are agenda setting and policy formulation two linked elements in the policy process?

2. Define agenda setting and describe two types of policy agendas and their overall importance in the policymaking process.

3. Discuss three approaches for understanding who sets the agenda in the United States. What are the mechanisms involved in agenda setting for each group?

4. How does a problem become part of the “policy agenda,” and what factors are important in determining whether a problem becomes recognized as being on the policy agenda?

5. Identify and define at least three types of actors who influence policy formulation and their likely roles in the policy formulation process.

6. How does government formulate policy? What two elements are crucial for government’s understanding in the problem being confronted? Describe the kinds of policy that can be formulated based upon the range of knowledge possessed of these elements.

7. Identify and explain two economic techniques used to evaluate and choose among potential policy options.