Chapter 2: Government Institutions and Policy Actors

Study

Understanding the U.S. political system, and how policy actors maneuver within it, is essential for students of public policy. It enables them to assess the many opportunities that exist for solving public problems through creative policy action, despite the constraints placed on policy development. This chapter surveys the interrelationships of the major actors and institutions involved in making public policy. It also examines how their behavior is affected by political incentives, as well as constitutional and legal constraints.

 

Beginning with a discussion on the growth of government, the chapter moves on to an overview of the government structure established by the Constitution (federalism, separation of powers). Each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) and its involvement in policymaking is reviewed. The chapter then discusses the informal aspects that affect policymaking, including issue networks, public opinion, and interest groups. The end of the chapter talks about how to improve policy capacity.

 

Armed with this information, students can see why government sometimes solves policy problems and sometimes fails. More important, this knowledge helps students understand what needs to be done to improve government capacity for analyzing public concerns and developing solutions. In the same vein, we believe few changes would do more to enhance democracy than finding ways for U.S. citizens to become better informed about public policy and more engaged and active with government and in the policy process.