Description
Peters (American government, U. of Pittsburgh, and comparative governance, Zeppelin U., Germany) provides a comprehensive view of federal policy and policymaking in the US for students in public policy classes. He explains the nature of public policy and alternative approaches to understanding the policymaking process and evaluating its outcomes, the structure and process of the system, important areas such as economy, taxes, health care, Social Security and welfare, education, energy and the environment, defense and law enforcement, and culture wars, and cost-benefit and ethical analysis. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Now in its eighth edition, B. Guy Peters’s trusted text once again provides a meticulous overview of the process behind—and the current state of— American public policy. In addition to balanced and comprehensive coverage of governmental structures and policymaking procedures, Peters addresses an array of specific policy issues as well as cost-benefit and ethical analysis. Brief “background” sections now start each issues chapter, providing readers with additional context before they dive into current problems and policies. In addition to an in-depth look at economic policy in light of the current financial turmoil and recession, this revision includes valuable new material on the politics of international treaties and climate control and devotes further attention to foreign policy. In a brand new chapter Peters accessibly explains approaches to the policymaking process, including institutional, economic, constructivist, and stages models, along with concepts such as the advocacy coalition framework, bounded rationality, and incrementalism. Updated graphics, tables, and charts throughout ensure that students have access to the latest data in the field, while new photos illustrate important points.
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