Review Sheet on Public Policy
I. Policy making in a federal system & the formation of policy agenda
II. The role of institutions in the enactment of policy
A. Congress
B. The President
C. The role of bureaucracy and the courts in policy implementation and interpretation
III. Linkages between policy processes and the following:
A. Political institutions (united or divided)
B. Federalism
1. Block grants vs. Mandates
2. Categorical grants
3. Block grants
4. Revenue sharing
5. Federal mandates
6. Fiscal (co-operative) federalism v devolution
7. Selective incorporation
8. Tenth amendment
C. Political parties (Party unity vs. weak party discipline)
D. Interest groups & PACs
E. Public opinion
F. Elections
G. Policy networks
1. Like Iron Triangles
H. How do these groups help or hinder the process?
IV. Government Budget
A. Congress and the President
1. Budget and Impoundment Act (1974)
2. Congressional Budget Office
B. Federal revenue vs. federal spending
1. Source of revenue
2. Federal spending (appropriations)
a. Entitlement vs. Discretionary
b. Policy implementation
3. Gramm Rudman Act of 1985 & 1987
4. Budget surplus vs. budget deficit
V. Fiscal v. Monetary Policy
VI. Social Security
Related chapters to read: Chapters 2 (pages 59-75), 15, 16, 17, 20, and 21
ESLR Addressed:
Technological Proficiency, Critical Thinking, and Post Secondary Preparation (Technological Proficiency and Critical Thinking)
Standards Addressed:
American Democracy Standard 12.4
Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.
American Democracy Standard 12.7
Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments.
American Democracy Standard 12.10
Students formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our constitutional democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government.