Explain the stages in the policy-making process and describe how each stage impacts the policy-making process.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Students should list and describe the stages in the policymaking process as (1) Define the Problem; (2) Getting on the Agenda; (3) Policy Formation and Adoption; (4) Budgeting; (5) Implementation; (6) Evaluation; and (7) Termination (possible). Problem definition is the simplest and most nonpolitical stage of the policy-making process. In this stage, potential solutions are listed and evaluated so as to create proposals on the policy agenda. Once a possible policy solution is identified, it must receive attention on the policy agenda. This is a very political part of the process and involves narrowing possible solutions so as to focus on influencing the policy-making process. Persuasion, the merits of the proposed policy, economic and political contexts in which the ideas are proposed, and just a little bit of luck all factor into the future of a proposal for the policy agenda. The deservingness of the solution is also a major consideration at this stage. In addition, policy entrepreneurs who operate in government, academic solutions, think tanks, interest groups, and other venues try to shape the scope of the proposed policy solution. At the next step, the policy is formed (usually in the form of a proposed bill or law) and adopted through a legal process (Congress at the federal level and state legislatures at the state level). Following the formation and adoption stage is the task of implementing the policy at the federal and/or state level. One problem that states often have is that the use of unfunded mandates (policies that lower levels of government are required to follow but are not specifically paid for) can impact state level policy decisions and problems. One must consider costs, benefits, and consequences of policy decisions. Following the implementation phase is the evaluation of the policy and its impact on society vs. its intended impact. In some cases, unintended consequences may arise that have a detrimental impact on the population the policy was intended to help. If, during the evaluation stage, the policy is seen as not achieving its intended purpose or unintended consequences arise, it may be terminated by lawmakers and/or the courts at the federal or state levels. For instance, the policy may violate some part of the Constitution (in the eyes of the courts) and/or may have other impacts that the public object to and are brought to the attention of those who created the policy in the first place.