Public Policy Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions related to public policy and the policy process, designed for effective exam review.

Public Policy

A course of action or inaction chosen by public authorities to address a given problem or set of problems.

Policy Cycle

A series of stages through which public policy develops.

Problem Definition

Identifying and framing an issue that requires action.

Agenda Setting

The process by which issues are prioritized for governmental attention.

Policy Windows

Short-lived opportunities for advocates to promote their preferred solutions.

Policy Entrepreneurs

Skilled advocates who push for specific policies by coordinating resources.

Multiple Streams Framework

A theory stating policymaking requires alignment of problem, policy, and politics streams.

Policy Formulation

The process where governments create and assess potential solutions.

Policy Design

Choosing the instruments (laws, incentives, programs) to achieve policy goals.

Innovation

Adoption of a new policy by a government.

Diffusion

The process of adopting policy ideas from other governments.

Invention

The original conception of new policies through various learning processes.

Detectors

Tools used by governments to gather information.

Passive Detectors

Stay fixed and await unsolicited data.

Active Detectors

Proactively seek information from society.

Nodal Receivers

Detectors that gather information due to governmental visibility.

Requisitions

Legal demands for information with penalties for non-compliance.

Rewards

Incentives given in exchange for information.

Effectors

Tools used by governments to make impacts in society.

Nodality

Choosing tools based on the government's ability to communicate effectively.

Authority

The official power to enforce laws and regulations.

Treasure

Financial resources used to influence behavior.

Organization

The resources and personnel available to government.

Rational Decision-Making

Choosing the best informed option based on all alternatives.

Bounded Rationality

Decision-making with cognitive limitations that prevent optimal outcomes.

Incrementalism

Making small, gradual adjustments to existing policies.

Punctuated Equilibrium

Long periods of policy stability interrupted by significant changes.

Top-down Implementation

Policy implementation directed by central authorities.

Bottom-up Implementation

Policy execution influenced by local actors.

Evaluation

Assessing policy outcomes for effectiveness, efficiency, and impact.

Problem Definition in Policy

Policy begins with framing conditions as problems.

Narrative Policy Framework

The idea that stories shape understanding of policy issues.

Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF)

Policy is shaped by coalitions of actors with shared beliefs.

Policy Subsystem

A specific policy area including relevant actors.

Belief System in ACF

Hierarchical structure of beliefs influencing policy.

External Shocks

Unexpected events that lead to sudden policy changes.

Internal Events

Failures or scandals causing policy adjustments.

Policy-oriented Learning

Gradual changes in policy through accumulated experiences.

Agenda Setting

Media influences which issues become policy priorities.

Framing

Presenting issues in a particular way to influence perception.

Citizen Journalism

Non-traditional media that competes with mainstream outlets.

Press Party Parallelism (PPP)

The relationship between political parties and media outlets.

Mediating the Policy Process

Direct influence of media on policy outcomes.

Media's Watchdog Function

Role of media in holding policymakers accountable.

Digital Age Challenges

New complexities in media's influence on public policy.

Information Inequality

Discrepancy in access to policy information among social classes.

Implementation Gap

Difference between policy intentions and real-world outcomes.

Policy Instruments

Tools used by governments to implement strategies.

Incremental Change

Gradual modifications, often adjusting existing policies.

Punctuated Change

Dramatic policy shifts occurring after periods of stagnation.