An Introduction to the Policy Process: Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policy Making, 3rd

Thoroughly revised, reorganized, updated, and expanded, this widely-used text sets the balance and fills the gap between theory and practice in public policy studies. In a clear, conversational style, the author conveys the best current thinking on the policy process with an emphasis on accessibility and synthesis rather than novelty or abstraction. A newly added chapter surveys the social, economic, and demographic trends that are transforming the policy environment. Introducing the policy process -- An overview of the policy process -- The historical and structural context of public policy making -- Official actors and their roles in public policy -- Unofficial actors and their roles in public policy -- agenda setting, power, and interest groups -- Policies and policy types -- Policy design, policy tools, and decisions -- Policy implementation, failure, and learning -- Science and theory in the study of public policy