Public Policy

Sample Solution

   

Domestic Public Policy: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Most Significant Stage of the Policy Making Process: Agenda Setting

Why: The agenda setting stage is arguably the most significant stage of the policy making process because it determines which issues are given serious consideration by government decision-makers. Once an issue is placed on the agenda, it is much more likely to become public policy than if it is not on the agenda.

Current Policy Example: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package that was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. The ARPA was designed to address the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Full Answer Section

    Theories of Politics: Elite Theory, Group Theory, and Rational Choice Theory Elite Theory: Elite theory suggests that public policy is made by a small group of powerful individuals who have a disproportionate influence on the political process. Elite theorists argue that this group of individuals is able to set the agenda because they have the resources and connections necessary to get their issues on the public radar. Group Theory: Group theory suggests that public policy is made through the interaction of competing interest groups. Interest groups are organizations that represent the interests of a particular group of people. Group theorists argue that interest groups are able to influence public policy by lobbying government officials, making campaign contributions, and mobilizing their members to vote. Rational Choice Theory: Rational choice theory suggests that individuals make decisions based on their own self-interest. Rational choice theorists argue that government officials make policy decisions that they believe will benefit themselves or the groups they represent. How the Assumptions Associated with These Theories Help Explain the Outcome: Elite Theory: Elite theory can help explain the outcome of the ARPA by highlighting the role of powerful individuals in setting the agenda. President Biden, congressional leaders, and other powerful individuals played a key role in getting the ARPA passed. Group Theory: Group theory can help explain the outcome of the ARPA by highlighting the role of interest groups in influencing public policy. A variety of interest groups, including labor unions, business groups, and healthcare organizations, lobbied Congress and the Biden administration in support of the ARPA. Rational Choice Theory: Rational choice theory can help explain the outcome of the ARPA by highlighting the self-interest of government officials. Many members of Congress voted in favor of the ARPA because they believed that it would benefit their constituents and help them re-elect. Conclusion The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a good example of how the agenda setting stage of the policy making process can have a significant impact on the outcome of a policy. The ARPA passed because it was placed on the agenda by powerful individuals and interest groups. The self-interest of government officials also played a role in the passage of the ARPA. It is important to note that no single theory of politics can fully explain the policy making process. The reality is that the policy making process is complex and influenced by a variety of factors. However, the theories of elite, group, and rational choice can provide useful insights into how public policy is made.