Now in its fourth edition, "Public Policy: Perspectives and Choices" successfully combines a clear explanation of the basic concepts and methods of the policymaking process with a keen focus on how values influence policy choices. The authors first cover the fundamentals: how do issues reach the policy agenda; how are policies crafted and implemented; who pays and who benefits; how is the effectiveness of a policy determined; and, they then apply this foundation to a range of policy areas - the economy, welfare, education, crime, health care, housing, the environment, foreign policy, and domestic security. The fully updated text presents complicated ideas in an accessible way. It engages with controversial ideas that bring the study of public policy alive. It draws on a wealth of 'real world' examples. It provides balanced consideration of liberal and conservative policy positions. It emphasizes the essential relationship between individual self-interest and national well-being. The result is an ideal combination of theory and practice for effectively teaching public policy.
It combines a clear explanation of the basic concepts and methods of the policymaking process with a keen focus on how values influence policy choices across a range of issue areas.