Chapter 13: Politics, Analysis, and Policy Choice
Study
Citizens
can play an active role in decision making, sometimes by the simple act of
voting and sometimes through more intensive involvement in government and civic
affairs. Initiatives and referendums offer citizens the chance to vote directly
on public policies measures, but many also choose to be active in innumerable
other ways at the local, state, and national levels.
Chapter
13 concludes the text by discussing the development of public policies given
the level of uncertainty and conflict often present in the policymaking
process. As mentioned throughout the book, policy analysis can be useful to
policy actors during these times. Adequately and appropriately evaluating
alternatives provides more information, thereby helping decision makers make
better choices. This chapter reviews the common criteria of effectiveness,
efficiency, and equity and argues that policy analysis will help improve policy
capacity. The end of the chapter is devoted to citizen involvement--why it is
important, and new ways that individuals can become more a part of the policy
process.
Throughout, this book has emphasized an integrated approach to the study of public policy rather than focusing on policy history and program details. Although such information is clearly important, policy and program particulars change quickly, and the knowledge learned may be of limited use over time. In addition, the amount of information available can be overwhelming and contain many biases. In the long run, the perspectives and approaches of policy analysis are more helpful in understanding how the nation’s policies evolved and in considering what alternatives might work better. The text has stressed how to think about policy issues, where to find pertinent information, and how to interpret it. It also has underscored the need to develop a robust capacity for critical and creative thinking about public problems and their solutions no matter what the specific issue.