Public Policy Sixth Edition

To underscore the importance we place on active learning and critical ­engagement, we include two unique text boxes to guide students as they research policy ­problems: “Working with Sources” and “Steps to Analysis.” The Working with Sources feature identifies important sources of information and how to utilize them, providing step-by-step suggestions on how to make good (and critical) use of the information found on Internet sites—among other resources—that offer important data sources and policy perspectives. The Steps to Analysis feature invites critical thinking about specific policy problems. It demonstrates how to ask the urgent questions that drive policy analysis, and then presents ways to narrow and refine these questions into feasible projects. To further direct students to the information they need, discussion questions at the end of each chapter get at, for instance, the “best” way to deal with health care concerns, environmental problems, education issues, or homeland security. These questions are followed by annotated suggested readings, suggested websites, a list of major legislation where appropriate, a list of keywords, and chapter notes. Students will find a list of references and a glossary at the end of the book as well. All have been updated for this edition of the text.