Many Public Policy Problems Week 3 Influence Of I

Discussion about a “national policy agenda” raises issues about the interests, goals, and fears of many different communities, constituencies, and interest groups. The policy agenda is formulated by the input of many different groups. All of the groups think or believe that a particular issue, concern, or problem is deserving of immediate attention. Oftentimes the issue, concern, or problem requires a significant investment of taxpayer dollars to address the situation. Many public policy problems compete for attention from busy, multitasking, and constantly campaigning elected decision-makers. Those constituencies with the best tactics, goals, and strategies are often successful in garnering more attention for their causes than those that lack such cohesion.

In many ways, the study of public policy is really a sociological endeavor. It attempts to identify the many groups, communities, and interest groups that thrive across the United States and other nations. The study of public policy examines problems that are important to them and evaluates how motivated and organized they are in achieving their policy goals.

Consider the constellation of actors both within and outside of government who impact the public policy process. Indeed, public policy is oftentimes an amalgam of the inputs and constraints imposed by both organizations and individuals. Examine the actors who impact a policy issue that is, or should be, on the policy agenda at the local, state, national, or international level.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 4

Post a brief analysis of a public policy problem either in the United States or in your home country that you think warrants a place on the public policy agenda and include why. Then explain the influence of internal and external stakeholders on the formation of a policy agenda. Select two internal and two external stakeholders that you think are most relevant to getting the problem you selected on the agenda and explain why.