Evaluating American Democracy and Public Policymaking

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Lurking in the back of the minds of many students of American government is the question, How well does the American political system work This book examines this in a way that is broad in approach and accessible to readers. Such an ambitious examination of the effectiveness of the American policymaking system leads to one inescapable question: how can you measure effectiveness The answer taken in this book is to employ a number of different criteria. These criteria include: the publics attitudes towards the institutions of government the degree in which all participate equally in political activities the level of which public policy is responsive to public opinion the ability of the actors in the process to create effective public policy the extent the political system imposes costs and benefits on us equally, regardless of our economic condition race, gender, or age In doing so, this book ties together and expands upon numerous scholarly studies conducted on American public policymaking and uses David Trumans Systems Model as a conceptual guide. Because of the large amount of data presented, the book will also serve as a reference source for others conducting research on American public policy.

Reviews

This textbook evaluates American policy making through a systems framework. Representativeness and responsiveness are overarching themes. The early chapters cover characteristics of the political system and major legislation. The final chapters evaluate equality and equity outcomes across several dimensions. Schreckhise (Univ. of Arkansas) includes compelling narrative examples in each chapter. . . The author integrates discussion about foundational political science studies. Detailed, original analyses of public opinion surveys and secondary data are complemented by excellent figures and discussion questions. . . the book is most appropriate for American political science courses, especially those intended for adult learners or for students who already have some familiarity with American government. It is also recommended for public policy courses that are organized thematically around equality or policy responsiveness and that may be followed by courses on particular policy areas. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. * CHOICE *
A fresh look at the status of American democracy through a systems perspective wherein public trust and confidence in government are of central concern. -- Christopher A. Simon, University of Utah
William Schreckhises work is a valuable addition to the understanding of how public policy in the United States is made. The focus on the inequality inherent in policy system outputs challenges one to reexamine traditional approaches to studying U.S. public policy. -- Patrick Fisher, Seton Hall University

Author Bio

William D. Schreckhise is associate professor of political science at the University of Arkansas.