chapter 7

What is a policy domain according to sociologists?

A part of the political system that focuses on a particular social issue, such as family problems or criminal justice.

Who are the key participants in a policy domain?

Legislators, officials, and people outside the government, such as interest groups and experts concerned with the issue.

What is the difference between a policy domain and an arena?

A policy domain is a network of people interested in a policy issue, while an arena is a specific setting where claims can be presented.

What factors might lead to new policymaking?

Media coverage, public opinion, and claims from constituents that attract legislators' attention.

Why is the creation of a new policy not automatic?

Legislators face too many demands and competing interests, making it impossible to respond to all calls for action.

What role does the media play in legislative policymaking?

The media helps set the agenda by prioritizing issues that legislators should address.

What is the importance of lobbying in policymaking?

Lobbyists maintain networks and influence legislation by effectively packaging claims to attract legislators' support.

What are John W. Kingdon's three streams in policymaking?

The problem recognition stream, the policy proposal stream, and the political stream, which can converge to prompt legislative action.

What are John W. Kingdon's three streams in policymaking?

The problem recognition stream, the policy proposal stream, and the political stream, which can converge to prompt legislative action.

What is a policy domain according to sociologists?

A part of the political system that focuses on a particular social issue, such as family problems or criminal justice.

Who are the key participants in a policy domain?

Legislators, officials, and people outside the government, such as interest groups and experts concerned with the issue.

What is the difference between a policy domain and an arena?

A policy domain is a network of people interested in a policy issue, while an arena is a specific setting where claims can be presented.

What factors might lead to new policymaking?

Media coverage, public opinion, and claims from constituents that attract legislators' attention.

Why is the creation of a new policy not automatic?

Legislators face too many demands and competing interests, making it impossible to respond to all calls for action.

What role does the media play in legislative policymaking?

The media helps set the agenda by prioritizing issues that legislators should address.

What is the importance of lobbying in policymaking?

Lobbyists maintain networks and influence legislation by effectively packaging claims to attract legislators' support.

What is policy window?

Occurs when the three streams—problem, policy, and politics—align and create a window of opportunity for policy change.

What are normative claims?

These involve moral judgments about empirical evidence, ideas, or policies. They are often implicit, and frame situations to favor certain evaluations.