National Policy Formulation - Essay Example

The formulation of public policy has always been an integral part of political life not only in the United States but in every democratic nation on the face of the earth. In this paper, the researcher would try to look and explain at how public policy is formed in the American system of government. In this case, the researcher would try to answer the following questions: how is the problem identified? Who is responsible for determining solutions or setting the public policy agenda? Before the researcher will answer these questions, it is important first to define public policy. According to our UNIT 7 lecture notes, public policy “refers to the actions taken by government — its decisions that are intended to solve problems and improve the quality of life for its citizens”. In this case, public policy is formed following these three processes: policy formulation and adoption—this is where an approach is come up by different political stakeholders in solving a certain problem; implementation—this is where the decision of the government is put into effect; and evaluation and termination evaluation—this is where a specific public policy is reviewed and evaluated based on a cost-benefit analysis. In this case, a particular problem is identified through something that attracts the attention of the government, especially when the welfare of the public is harmed or threatened. In determining solutions for this problem, different political stakeholders present their approach to how the problem is solved—including Congress, the executive and the judicial branches of government, civil society groups, political parties, and even the citizens most affected. Read More