Introduction

Public policy is the result of interactions and dynamics among actors, interests, institutions, and processes . The formation of policy agendas, the enactment of public policies by Congress and the president, and the implementation and interpretation of policies by the bureaucracy and the courts are all stages in the policy process with which students should be familiar . Students should also investigate policy networks and issue networks in the domestic and foreign policy areas . The study of these will give students a clear understanding of the impact of federalism, interest groups, parties, and elections on policy processes and policymaking in the federal context . Students should be familiar with major public policies . 

*Language on this page is provided by the College Board.

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Learning Objectives

1. Define "public policy" and describe the policymaking process as it applies to American national government institutions.
2. Describe the national policies for ending poverty in the United States and alleviating the issues caused by economic downturns.
3. Discuss the issues raised by immigration into the United States and the proposed reforms to the immigration system.
4. Define fiscal and monetary policy; explain the tools used by the institutions of the national government to shape economic policy.
5. Discuss the annual deficit and the total national debt; explain the impact of these two concepts on American life and policies.
6. Compare progressive taxes and regressive taxes and explain the taxation systems used in the United States.
7. Define entitlement programs, and describe how these programs are related to economic policies.
8. Explain the president's role in setting foreign policy and national security policy; compare those powers to the powers of Congress.

Important Files

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Homework Assignments

Assignment #1: Public Policy

• The Policymaking Process - pages 520-523
• MindTap: The Policymaking Process

​Assignment #2: Antipoverty Policy

• Poverty and Welfare - pages 540-543

​Assignment #3: Immigration Policy

• Immigration - pages 543-546
• MindTap: Immigration Policy

​Assignment #4: Fiscal Policy

• Fiscal Policy - pages 558-562
• Watch this video

Assignment #5: Taxation

• The Politics of Taxes - pages 563-566
• MindTap: Tax Reform
• Watch these videos

​Assignment #6: Entitlement Programs

• Social Security and Medicare - pages 566-569
• MindTap: Social Security Reform

Assignment #7: Foreign Policy

• Who Makes Foreign Policy? - pages 583-590

​Assignment #8: Test Review

• Study for test