Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives

Public policy texts need to give a thorough explanation of the policy process, but why do so many relegate policy analysis to a single, final chapter or not cover it at all? In the third edition of their innovative text, Kraft and Furlong take a decidedly different tack. They introduce and integrate an evaluative approach to policy throughout their text, encouraging critical and creative thinking on issues ranging from economic policy and the financial bailout to homeland security and natural disasters.Public Policy starts with the basics and concisely reviews institutions, policy actors, and major theoretical models. The authors then discuss the nature of policy analysis and its practice, and show readers how to employ evaluative criteria in six substantive policy areas. At its core, Public Policy guides readers through policy alternatives, arming them with analytic tools for understanding how the motivations of policy actors both within and outside of government influence a complex, yet comprehensible, policy agenda. Professors will appreciate its authoritative, balanced approach, and its accessibility will engage readers and keep them reading.Important features for enhanced readability include: Working with Sources and Steps to Analysis feature boxes that help students apply evaluative criteria; Policy scenario chapter openers;End-of-chapter discussion questions, suggested readings and websites, and keyword lists;A wealth of tables, figures, charts, and photos; andA helpful keyword glossary in the appendix.In addition to updating throughout all chapters to account for recent events, issues, and policy debates through the end of the Bush presidency, the third edition includes expanded and new coverage of:the mortgage crisis, financial bailout, and ensuing recession;the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq;the use of private contractors for military support and operations;homeland security and its implications for civil liberties;national energy policy and high gasoline prices, including proposals for increased offshore drilling;climate change issues and politics;the government s capacity to handle natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, and Ike; andimmigration controversies, including construction of fencing along the U.S.-Mexican border.Written by authorities in Public Affairs & Administration, Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives by Michael E Kraft and Scott R Furlong provides an excellent foundation for Public Affairs & Administration studies. Michael E Kraft and Scott R Furlong's style is excellently suited towards Public Affairs & Administration studies, and will teach students the material clearly without overcomplicating the subject. What's more, the text is available in the Paperback format shown above (ISBN 9780872899711), as well as a number of other formats. As of July 2009, this revision raises the bar for Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives's high standard of excellence, making sure that it stays one of the foremost Public Affairs & Administration studies textbooks