Who is involved in policy formation

Many different types of groups attempt to influence United States policy. For instance, certain demographic groups may favor policies that benefit them the most. Other groups may create formal institutions, known as think tanks, to advance their cause. Foreign governments can also behave as interest groups when it comes to U. Because of the wide variety of special interest groups, conflict between groups on an issue is common. The debate over creating free trade areas, like the North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA , placed business groups in competition with labor and environmental groups in garnering the attention of policymakers toward their divergent causes.

Events, such as the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA , highlight the differences among special interest groups and the competition that takes place between them to capture the attention of policymakers. Those interest groups that are able to advance their causes to the policy agenda must possess certain key factors.

Political scientist Charles O. Jones has organized these factors into six categories. First, the number of people affected plays a role in what policies are adopted. For example, senior citizens often make their demands onto the policy agenda because of their large numbers and inclination to vote.

The extent to which constituents are organized and the resources available to them serve as other factors that influence whether interest groups can advance their causes to the policy agenda. A fourth factor is whether government representatives exist that can link interest groups and their problems with governmental processes.

The skills that interest groups utilize to advance their causes are also important in accessing the policymaking process. Many organizations only employ the most experienced and capable lobbyists to represent their causes. Meanwhile, the sheer intensity of interest groups can make up for inadequate resources or numbers of constituents.

Privacy Policy. Skip to main content. Domestic Policy. Search for:. The Policy-Making Process. Issue Identification and Agenda Building The first step of the policy process involves issues being turned into agenda items for policymaking bodies. Learning Objectives Describe the various ways different issues can become the focus of concerted political attention.

Key Takeaways Key Points Few issues actually make it onto policy agendas but those that do are often a result of public outcry, crises, and the lobbying efforts of important interest groups. Issues must become agenda items for policymaking bodies, like legislatures and administrative agencies, in order to proceed into the next stages of the policy process.

Policy agendas are ephemeral and can easily be replaced by other issues when crises arise. Key Terms agenda : A temporally organized plan for matters to be attended to. Policy Formulation Formulation is the second stage of the policy process and involves the proposal of solutions to agenda issues.

Learning Objectives Identify the considerations that shape the formulation of first-best policy. Are there existing templates or examples that you could draw on?

Where will you go for guidance? Ensure that the wording and length or complexity of the policy are appropriate to those who will be expected to implement it. Policies are most effective if those affected are consulted are supportive and have the opportunity to consider and discuss the potential implications of the policy.

Depending on whether you are developing policies to govern the internal working of the organisation or external policy positions, you may wish to consult, for example:. Who will approve the policy? Is this a strategic issue that should be approved by the Management Committee or is the Committee confident that this can be dealt with effectively by staff? Bear in mind that, ultimately, the Management Committee is responsible for all policies and procedures within the organisation.

Procedures are more likely to be required to support internal policies. Consider whether there is a need for clear guidance regarding how the policy will be implemented and by whom. Another example is crime. American society tolerates a certain level of crime; however, when crime rises dramatically or is perceived to be rising dramatically, it becomes an issue for policymakers to address.

Specific events can place a problem on the agenda. The flooding of a town near a river raises the question of whether homes should be allowed to be built in a floodplain. New legislation on combating terrorism the USA Patriot Act, for example was a response to the attacks of September 11, Policy formulation means coming up with an approach to solving a problem.

Congress, the executive branch, the courts, and interest groups may be involved. Contradictory proposals are often made. The president may have one approach to immigration reform, and the opposition-party members of Congress may have another. Policy formulation has a tangible outcome: A bill goes before Congress or a regulatory agency drafts proposed rules. Online media e. Try to combine the two approaches. Leave short written briefs for policy makers to read after meetings, and follow up the dissemination of written material with personal contact.

Here are some practical tips for these two methods: Meetings and workshops If you want to have a successful meeting with policy makers and other stakeholders, you need to get a sense of the kind of event most appropriate both to your work and your target audience.

For instance, Friday morning can be a good time for Whitehall, Wednesday night for Scottish Parliament, and before elections for civil servants. Many departments would be happy to host 'brown bag lunches' where academics can come and discuss the implications of their research.

Short meetings are best - half-day or less. Longer meetings may be possible but need to be worked out ahead of time. If having policy makers or professionals is key to your meeting, find out their schedules before you fix the date, time and length of the meeting. If you hold a day-long meeting, policy makers may only be able to attend for part of the day. State the audience benefit for the event in your promotional materials and introductory welcome on the day. Why is this meeting, and your work, important for them?

Focus on your key message and whatever background information your audience needs. A meeting should be a dialogue. Give stakeholders the chance to react, raise their concerns and provide their perspectives. A workshop format rather than presentations provides time for more interaction, although a briefing format may be suitable for shorter, smaller meetings e.

Be prepared to listen to the perspectives of policy makers and answer questions about the relevance and quality of your evidence. Policy makers are often intelligent consumers of evidence and have wide and varied knowledge, expertise and backgrounds. Their feedback and advice can improve the potential for impact and even the quality of your research.

Take appropriate printed materials. For a one-on-one meeting, business cards and policy briefs are ideal, as are other short communications materials. If you bring a report or journal article, include a one-page summary on top. Your institution or unit may be able to provide support for policy-oriented meetings, or you might consider setting up an event in an existing series , such as the ESRC Public Policy Seminar Series. Policy briefings There are a number of different terms for a policy brief, including briefing paper or report, briefing note, research briefing, etc.

Allow time for graphic design and printing if you require materials for a particular event. Professional printing is advisable if you have the budget, as your brief will be taken more seriously. Aim for words maximum for a 2-side brief. In general, include the following sections in order: Key points, Introduction, Findings, Policy Recommendations. State your aims clearly at the outset e.