Policy Process--Agenda Setting Analytical Essay by Nicky

A look at the process of creating new public policy.
# 150487 | 1,370 words | 6 sources | APA | 2012 | US
Published on Feb 20, 2012 in Political Science (U.S. Federal Politics) , Hot Topics (Terror and 9/11) , Political Science (Legislative Process)


$19.95 Buy and instantly download this paper now

Description:

This paper describes the first stage of the policy process or initiation or agenda setting and continues by discussing the events of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the extent of its influence on policy change. First, the paper defines agenda setting as a general set of political controversies that are viewed at any point in time as falling within the range of legitimate concerns meriting the attention of polity. Then, the paper considers the facts, values and beliefs play a major role in the government's decision of which issues deserve its attention. Various scholars and their research on this and related topics is cited. Next, the paper explores the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks as a significant event that encouraged change in people and in the nation. The paper further notes how this need for change was fueled by the media. The paper concludes by stating that agenda setting, as defined by this paper, can be summarized as problem definition, interest activity and the decision or non-decision making by the government.

From the Paper:

"As seen in this light, an agreement is reached usually through compromise. However, the final word comes from the government and the result of the conflict is either not what was initially envisioned by the advocates or worse yet, the problem may not even be acted upon by the authorities in decision making. Why is this so? Bachrach and Baratz (1963) assert that the other side of decision-making is "nondecision-making." There are certain issues that are not taken into consideration by the government because of a number of factors: "dominant values, accepted rules of the game, existing power relations among groups, and instruments of force." One or a combination of these issues have great influence in the decision making process.
Weiss (1989) pointed out that policy problems grab the attention of the public at given times and places. Nevertheless, no matter how huge or hot the issue may be, it will eventually lose its luster over time and will be replaced by a shiny new issue, which now has to be addressed by government institutions. The public, the news, the media and even policymakers eventually lose interest in problems or issues that were once on the top of the agenda."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Birkland, T. (2004, March). "The World Changed Today": Agenda-Setting and Policy Change in the Wake of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks. Review of Policy Research, 21(2), 179-200. Retrieved September 28, 2009, doi:10.1111/j.1541-1338.2004.00068.x
  • Carroll, B., & Carroll, T. (1999, January). Civic Networks, Legitimacy and the Policy Process. Governance, 12(1), 1. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from Academic Source Complete database.
  • Dery, D. (2000, March). Agenda Setting and Problem Definition. Policy Studies, 21(1), 37-47. Retrieved September 28, 2009, doi:10.1080/014428700114008
  • McClain, P. (1990, Winter 1990). Agenda Setting, Public Policy And Minority Group Influences: An Introduction. Policy Studies Review, 9(2), 263-272. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from Academic Source Complete database.
  • Nakamura, R. (1987, August). The Textbook Policy Process And Implementation Research. Policy Studies Review, 7(1), 142-154. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from Academic Source Complete database.

Cite this Analytical Essay:

APA Format

Policy Process--Agenda Setting (2012, February 20) Retrieved October 01, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/policy-process-agenda-setting-150487/

MLA Format

"Policy Process--Agenda Setting" 20 February 2012. Web. 01 October. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/policy-process-agenda-setting-150487/>

Comments