Week 4 Flashcards
What are key characteristics of policy briefs?
Concise
Focuses on an issue
Includes problem, context, and policy recommendations
Goal: Convince policymakers to make a change
What are situational factors in Leichtner’s framework?
Sudden or violent events (e.g., 9/11, COVID-19)
Allow for new policies
Political leadership influences policy changes
What are structural factors in Leichtner’s framework?
Demographics (e.g., aging population)
Social characteristics (e.g., Baby Boomers)
Importance of imagination in addressing issues
What are cultural factors in Leichtner’s framework?
Customs, norms, social institutions, symbols
Attitudes toward government, religious teachings, personal liberties
Example: Masking during COVID-19
What are the “Inputs” in Easton’s framework?
Values: Meaningful objects or services
Demands: Expressed wishes for policy changes
Support: Public acceptance of demands
Resources: Money, properties, assets
What are environmental factors in Leichtner’s framework?
External/international factors
Trade agreements, natural resources, mining
Influence of broader factors on policy
What is the difference between Social Democracy and Neoliberalism in Easton’s framework?
Social Democracy: Focus on equality, universalism, state resources
Neoliberalism: Focus on liberty, market solutions, residual needs
What are the “Outputs” in Easton’s framework?
Goods and services provided by the government
Health care, education, etc.
Includes micro, macro, and meso levels
Government institutions
What are the critiques of Leichtner and Easton’s models?
Both are useful for assessing inputs and policy outcomes
Easton’s model focuses mainly on state institutions
Both models overlook civil society organizations and conflict in policy discourse
What are some key influences on the public policy process?
Civil society
Advocacy groups (e.g., David Suzuki Foundation)
Media (e.g., Globe and Mail)
Political ideology (e.g., Neoliberalism, Socialism)
Corporate sector (e.g., businesses, threats to healthcare)
How did corporate sector influence ObamaCare?
Employer mandate: businesses had to provide healthcare
Private insurance, Medicaid/Medicare, and Veterans Administration helped cover costs
Goal: Every American gets insurance
What is the role of political ideology in shaping policies like ObamaCare?
US Affordable Healthcare Act influenced by neoliberal and social policies
Focus on balancing private insurance and public options like Medicaid
