“Of immense value in understanding American public policy.” (*)

The new edition of this widely adopted text offers a unique dualistic view of the policy process. First, it introduces readers to the American approach to public policy-making as it has been shaped by our political institutions, changing circumstances, and ideology. Second, it informs readers concisely and evenhandedly about U.S. policies in eight major policy realms, with well-selected illustrations, case studies, and study questions. In addition to providing analytical tools and empirical information, the book imparts an appreciation of the widely shared but often competing values that must be balanced and rebalanced in the ongoing policy-making process, affecting issues of the highest concern to the American public. For this edition, all of the policy chapters, especially those on economic policy, foreign policy, the environment, and education, have been substantially revised and updated.

Endorsements:

“Undergraduates and graduates alike will find this book to be of immense value in understanding American public policy. My students especially benefit from the structure of the case studies in each chapter that analyze substantive policy areas within the framework of the policy process.” — Pamela Dunning, Christopher Newport University (*)

“The book approaches policy from a broad social science perspective rather than a narrow disciplinary perspective. Rushefsky uses the policy process as a framework for discussing specific policy issues, which augments the consistency of the text. By placing both policy and the policy process in socio-historical context, Rushefsky not only enhances understanding but also stimulates critical thinking.” — Cheryl B. Leggon, Georgia Institute of Technology