Unit 6: Policymaking in American Government
After having explored the foundations, political behavior, and institutions of the American political system, this final unit looks at public policy in the United States, the place where all of these other components of the American political system intersect. The unit will begin examining the general policy-making process and how each branch of government impacts American public policy. Then, the unit will take a deeper look into the three major realms of public policy – economic, social, and foreign affairs policy. In each of these realms, theories of policy will be discussed, and then you will look closer at how policy has been implemented over time. This unit is a fitting way to end the course as it demonstrates how everything that you've learned thus far comes together to shape the various public policies that impact American society as a whole.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 19 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- distinguish between different types of public policy;
- describe the four main steps of the policy-making process;
- explain theories of economic policy and their implementation in American politics throughout history;
- discuss the budget process and key components included in the budget;
- examine the major objectives and outcomes of US tax policy;
- trace the history and development of social public policy in the United States;
- outline the key players and institutions in the foreign policy-making process; and
- discuss the history and current goals of US foreign policy.
6.1: Making Public Policy
Use these slides prepared by Dr. Scott as a reference for taking notes while watching the Public Policy lectures.
These lectures will cover the rest of this unit on public policy in the American political system. Watch them both at the beginning of this unit to gain some general understanding of important terms and concepts for future readings and assessments.
Read this chapter. When government decides to act, it mostly does so through public policy, which is a specific course of action that government takes to address a problem, such as the federal budget deficit. A public policy can be conveyed to the public in the laws passed by Congress and signed by the president, opinions issued by the Supreme Court, and/or rules written by the executive branch. In many ways, public policy tells the public who gets what – and when and how – from government.
Watch these lectures on the policymaking process and the specific issues involved in creating domestic policy. Part One covers health and environmental policy, and Part Two covers energy, welfare, immigration, and criminal justice. While watching the videos think about what makes policy making a process.
Checkpoint
- Receive a grade
Answer these ungraded questions to see how well you have understood the course material in this section.
6.2: Economic Policy
Economic policy refers to the actions that governments take in order to influence the economy. In recent years, credit, mortgage, and regulatory policies have contributed to an economic crisis in the United States. Responding to the economic crisis, the government has become more involved in managing the economy. Monetary policy is mainly determined by the Federal Reserve Board. Fiscal policy is mainly made by the President's economic advisors and Congress.
6.2.1: Theories of Economic Policy
Read this article. Differences of opinion on how government power should be used are usually based on competing philosophies about how much government should be involved in regulating the economy.
6.2.2: The Federal Budget Process
Watch this presentation to learn more about the budgetary process in American government. Deciding the federal budget is a complicated and often contentious process involving the presidency and Congress.
Read this report, which examines the roles of Congress and the President in developing the yearly federal budget.
Watch the first video, which discusses the difference between US debt and operating costs and how the government's large financial obligations (popularly referred to as "entitlement spending") can create burgeoning deficits. Then watch the second video, which explains the basics of the federal deficit, debt, and the debt ceiling.
Checkpoint
- Receive a grade
Answer these ungraded questions to see how well you have understood the course material in this section.
6.3: Domestic Policy
6.3.1: Federal "Entitlement" Programs
Watch the first video, which explains how Social Security works. As you watch, think about governmental concerns over the program's long-term sustainability. Is privatizing Social Security, as many public officials have called for, a good idea? Then watch the second video, which discusses how Medicare works and provides a critique of the program's sustainability and financial viability over the long term.
Read this overview of the history and development of social security in the United States. Pay close attention to where and why Social Security began and how it has been reformed over time. The US Social Security program is the largest government program in the world and the single greatest expenditure in the federal budget.
Read the brief overview of Medicare and Medicaid – two governmental programs that provide medical and health-related services to low-income and elderly citizens. They are the largest "entitlement" programs in the United States. Then, download and read the Key Milestones in CMS Programs.
6.3.2: Public Assistance and Welfare Reform
Read this article on the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program. TANF became law in 1996 when President Clinton promised "to end welfare as we know it". TANF represents the most comprehensive social policy reform since 1935. The most significant change under welfare reform is that states, not the federal government, use TANF funds to operate their own programs, with minimal federal oversight.
6.3.3: Education Policy
Read this brief overview of the role of the federal government in education. Despite its prominent role, education and education policy is primarily the responsibility of state and local governments.
Watch this video. It features a panel discussion with US Education Secretary Arne Duncan and mayors and superintendents of Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago about their school reform initiatives. Topics include early childhood education, after school programs, US education competitiveness, and higher education.
Checkpoint
- Receive a grade
Answer these ungraded questions to see how well you have understood the course material in this section.
6.4: Foreign and Defense Policy
Use these slides prepared by Dr. Scott as a reference for taking notes while watching the Foreign and Defense Policy lectures.
Read this chapter. The United States has adopted many, sometimes competing, foreign policy goals over the years, from promoting peace in the Middle East to addressing the spread of HIV-AIDS. Today, it is putting its greatest emphasis on winning the war on terrorism and promoting trade in an increasingly global economy.
6.4.1: Making Foreign Policy: Key Players and Institutions
Read this article to learn more about the key players in foreign policymaking in the United States. As with all policymaking, many people have a hand in setting US foreign policy. The main objective of foreign policy is to use diplomacy to solve international problems, and to try to keep problems from developing into conflicts that lead to military conflicts.
In addition to the State Department's main goals, this publication reviews how the United States exercises diplomatic relations with foreign governments, international organizations, and the people of other countries.
6.4.2: American Foreign Policy: Past, Present, and Future
Read this article, which reviews the major trends in the foreign policy of the United States from the American Revolution to the present.
Watch this video. Scholars Thomas Pickering and David Sanger discuss US foreign policy, focusing on the cultural and historical aspects of U.S foreign policy and US national security.
6.4.3: Global Policy Issues
Read this article. After the fall of communism, the United States was the world's sole superpower. Some of the emerging issues in this new world have included global investment, terrorism, the environment, and humanitarian aid.
Checkpoint
- Receive a grade
Answer these ungraded questions to see how well you have understood the course material in this section.
Unit 6 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
