Government Administrator — Public Policy Foundations
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What you'll learn:
Defining the Landscape - **Description:** This day will introduce the very basics of public policy. We'll define what public policy *is*, explore its importance, and understand the different levels of government (federal, state, local) and their roles in policymaking. We'll also touch upon the key actors involved: elected officials, bureaucrats, interest groups, and the public. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Understand the definition of public policy, identify the key actors in policy-making, and differentiate between the levels of government.
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What you'll learn:
A Step-by-Step Guide - **Description:** Delve into the stages of the policy cycle: agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation, and termination. Understand the key activities that take place in each stage. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Grasp the phases of the policy cycle and their respective activities, and understand how the cycle applies to real-world policy issues.
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What you'll learn:
Tools of the Trade - **Description:** Learn about the different tools governments use to implement policy (regulations, taxation, subsidies, information campaigns, etc.). Explore different policy approaches such as market-based approaches and command-and-control approaches. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Identify and explain the different policy instruments used by governments, and differentiate between various policy approaches.
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What you'll learn:
- **Description:** Explore how the US Constitution and laws impact policy. Understanding the separation of powers, federalism, and judicial review and their influence on the policy process. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Understand the foundational role of the Constitution and law in shaping public policy, and how the three branches of government interact in policymaking.
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What you'll learn:
- **Description:** Begin exploring the basics of policy analysis. This day focuses on the first steps: defining the problem and gathering evidence. Learn how to frame policy problems and identify relevant data sources. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Understand the initial steps in policy analysis, and learn to identify the key components of a policy problem and relevant data sources.
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What you'll learn:
- **Description:** Understand the various stakeholders (individuals, groups, organizations) who are impacted by a specific policy. Learn how to identify their interests, analyze their influence, and understand the dynamics of political advocacy and lobbying. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Recognize the various stakeholders and interests involved in a particular policy area, and understand how interests shape political action and influence policy outcomes.
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What you'll learn:
A Foundation for Decision-Making - **Description:** Examine the ethical dimensions of public policy. Consider ethical frameworks such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics and how these are applied in policymaking. Explore the importance of transparency and accountability in government. - **Specific Resources/Activities:** - **Expected Outcomes:** Develop an understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in public policy decisions, and apply ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios.
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