Unit 6: Policymaking in American Government
Unit Six examines making public policy. In previous units, we explored the foundation documents of the American political system, the role of public opinion and political participation, the development and influence of political parties and interest groups on campaigns and elections, and the role institutions play in developing, implementing, and evaluating laws. We also explored how these groups, processes, and institutions have impacted the maintenance and expansion of civil liberties and civil rights.
Now let's turn from the processes and institutions to the substance of policymaking. We begin with an overview of the policymaking process and categorize the types of public policy. Next, we explore domestic policy by examining social and economic policies. Finally, we read about foreign policy.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- distinguish between different types of public policy;
- describe the main steps of the policymaking process;
- discuss the budget process and key components included in the budget;
- examine the development of social programs and education in the United States; and
- outline the key players, institutions, and approaches in the foreign policymaking process.
6.1: Making Public Policy
In this section, we discuss categories of public policy and the policymakers involved in shaping the laws and procedures that distribute, redistribute, and regulate resources and behavior in American society.
Read this text for an overview of public policy. Public policy is about outcomes. It is the product of all the work and processes you have learned about up to this point.
Read this text that discusses how Americans classify public policy. Note the categories of distributive, redistributive, and regulatory policy. Write a list of five laws you know. What classifications do these laws fit into?
Read this text on individuals and groups that contribute to policymaking in the United States. It describes four steps of the policymaking process: 1. agenda setting, 2. policy enactment, 3. policy implementation, and 4. evaluation. Which step do you think is most important? Why?
6.2: Domestic and Economic Policy
In this section, we explore the types of public policy created to address domestic concerns in the United States. Social policy over the years has addressed some of our concerns over education and public health. Economic policy refers to the actions that governments take to influence the economy.
Read this report, which examines the roles the U.S. Congress and the President play when developing the annual federal budget.
Watch this video, which discusses the U.S. debt and operating costs. It describes how the government's large financial obligations (popularly called "entitlement spending") can create deficits.
Read this text on the budgeting process and tax policy in the United States. What is the difference between progressive and regressive tax policies? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of progressive and regressive taxation?
Watch this presentation on the deficit and debt ceiling. How high of a priority should deficit reduction be for policymakers?
Read this brief overview of Medicare and Medicaid. These governmental programs provide medical and health-related services to low-income and elderly Americans. They are the largest entitlement programs in the United States.
Review this list of significant events in the history of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Watch this presentation on the sustainability of Medicare. What are some major challenges of the Medicare program? What reforms, if any, would you make to this policy?
Read this brief overview of the federal government's role in education. The framers did not envision a significant federal government role in education despite its significance in American society. Education policy primarily falls under the purview of state and local governments.
6.3: Foreign and Defense Policy
The United States has adopted many, sometimes competing, foreign policy goals over the years – from promoting peace in the Middle East to helping stem the spread of HIV-AIDS. In this section, we examine the players and goals that continue to shape U.S. foreign policy.
Read this text on the institutions and concepts at work in U.S. foreign policy.
Read this text on how government and other agencies develop and practice foreign policy in the United States. Which tools are most effective? What does success or effectiveness mean in this field?
Read this report on the goals of U.S. diplomacy. Of the many competing goals, which do you think is the most important? Why?
Read this text on the dynamics that play out between the legislative and executive branches in the formation of foreign policy. Pay attention to the theory of the dual presidency. Can you find examples of actions of current or past presidents that support or contradict this theory?
Read this text which explores various foreign policy approaches to global affairs. Do you think the United States should employ a policy of selective engagement in the current global environment? Why or why not?
Unit 6 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.