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Public Policymaking in a Democratic Society: A Guide to Civic Engagement, Second Edition
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Comments/Reviews
Description: While people profess a disdain for politics, in a democracy politics is the primary vehicle for citizens to influence the decisions and decision makers that shape public policy at every level. This widely acclaimed work provides an overview of public policymaking in all its aspects along with basic information, tools, and examples that will equip citizens to participate more effectively in the policymaking process. It is intended as a handbook for service-learning students, but will serve equally as a resource for any organized effort to involve citizens in community service and the exercise of civic responsibility. This edition includes an all-new case study, and all other case studies have been revised.
Selected Contents:
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. The Public Policymaking Process and How It Relates to Our Lives
The Public Policymaking Framework
What Public Policy Is-And Is Not
Constitutionalism: The Architecture of Public Policymaking
Where Public Policies Are Made-Vertical Relationships
Does Citizenship Matter?
What Does Citizenship Mean?
Practicing Citizenship Through Public Policy Analysis and Advocacy
Case Study : Immigration Reform
Reflection
Student Projects
Discussion Questions
Notes
2. Identifying Public Policy Issues
Triggering Mechanisms-Indicators for Determining Issues
Deciding What Is Important-How and Why
Doing Research
Considering What to Do
Case Study : Community Development Project
Reflection
Student Projects
Discussion Questions
Notes
3. Developing a Public Policy Proposal: Inventing the Better Lightbulb
Connecting Issues with Public Policymakers
Clarifying Objectives
Inventing the Better Lightbulb
Doing a Reality Check
To Influence or Not to Influence-That Is the Question
Journal Writing
Case Study : Campus Security
Reflection
Student Projects
Discussion Questions
Notes
Taking Action in the Political World: How to Advocate a Public Policy
Surveying the Policymaking Landscape
Preparing a Plan of Action-Carefully, and One Step at a Time
Making the Most of Your Opportunity
Public Policymaking as Complex Activities
Case Study : Campaigning for a Watershed Tax District
Reflection
Student Projects
Discussion Questions
Notes
5. Implementation: Carrying Out Decisions and Making Them Stick
The Art of Implementation
Bureaucracies-Implementation Agents
Keeping Your Hand in the Implementation Mix
Case Study : Implementing a New Policy on Racial Profiling
Reflection
Student Projects
Discussion Questions
Notes
6. Evaluation: Does the Policy Make Sense?
Who Evaluates, and Why?
Evaluation: Not as Easy as It Looks
Comparing Outcomes with Intentions
One Form of Evaluation Every Policymaker Wishes to Avoid
Some Final Tips
Conclusions
Case Study : Charter Schools
Reflection
Student Projects
Discussion Questions
Notes
7. Participation, Politics, and Policymaking: Putting It Together
Some of What You May Have Learned
The Most Important Evaluation of All
Some Final Thoughts (from the Soapbox)
Notes
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: Recommended Government Documents
Appendix C: Recommended Readings
Appendix D: Recommended Web Sites as Research Source Materials
Index
About the Author
Comment(s): "I have used this book with undergraduates and for ma graduate seminar that enrolled professionals in the MPA program. Gerston provides excellent historical and conceptual background, analyses, case studies, and research tools that prepare students for policy analysis and for leadership." -- Kathleen Staudt, University of Texas at El Paso (on the previous edition)
Review(s): Gerston's text outlines the steps of policy making and identifies resources for readers interested in participating in the practice. In line with its 'how-to' focus, the text provides as well, guidelines for engaging students in policy making. Public Administration Review (on the previous edition)
    
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