The policy process

Abstract

Earlier chapters in this book have introduced the machinery of government and the wider political, social and economic environment within which it operates. This chapter examines how government works in terms of how it deals with political issues and the nature of the public policy that emerges. Why do some issues get high on the political agenda and become hotly debated while other seemingly more pressing or urgent issues remain excluded from political consideration? In this chapter we look at how governments make policy, and differences in policy making style between governments. Who participates in policy making? In what ways do they set about solving problems? How important is leadership to successful policy making? Some theoretical approaches are explored which will help in answering these questions.