Chapter 16- Politics and Public Policymaking Flashcards
Incrementalism
Small changes in policy over long periods of time; usually in reference to budget-making- that the best indicator of this year’s budget is last year’s budget plus a small increase.
Agenda setting
The process of forming a list of matters that policymakers intend to address.
Political agenda
Issues that merit action, as determined by the public or those in power.
Policy formulation
The crafting a policy to resolve public problems.
Policy adoption
The approval of a policy by legislation.
Policy implementation
Carrying out a policy through government agencies and courts.
Policy evaluation
Determines if a policy is achieving its goals.
Environmental impacts statement
Requires studies and reports of likely environmental impacts, filed with the Environmental Protection Agency prior to the beginning of a project.
Discretionary spending
Spending set by the government through appropriation bills, including operating expenses and salaries of government employees.
National debt
Amount of money owed by the government.
Federal budget
Amount of money the federal government expects to receive and authorizes government to spend for a fiscal (12-month period) year.
Social welfare programs
Government program to enhance quality of life.
Entitlement program
Payments made to people meeting eligibility requirements, such as Social Security.
Fiscal year
A 12-month period, October through September, for planning the federal budget.
Appropriations
Money granted by Congress or a state legislature for a specific propose.
