Policy Analysis Essay ⋆ Political Science Essay Examples ⋆ EssayEmpire

Policy analysis is a method of inquiry to examine governmental activity that provides a systematic way to assess the consequences of past policy actions and the alternatives available to address societal problems. Hence, it can be used for both retrospective and prospective purposes.

The field of policy analysis has evolved considerably. Early policy research focused almost exclusively on the economic elements of governmental actions. Over the years, policy analysis expanded to incorporate a wider range of factors, drawing from such fields as political science, sociology, and geography. A number of factors have driven the development of policy analysis research, including advancements in analytic techniques, greater citizen demands for more systematic information about government, and the wider availability of relevant data. As of the early twenty-first century, policy analysis incorporated an array of different analytical procedures and methodological approaches.

One of the main questions about policy analysis concerns whether it should be performed by those who make or implement policy decisions—such as legislative staffs and administrators—or by those who work outside of the policy process—such as consultants, academics, policy advocates. Internal policy analysis can produce more useful, detailed information, but it might also be less independent and comprehensive. On the other hand, external policy analysis may yield more objective information, but it may be less useful, timely, and relevant for policy makers.

Another question is whether policy analysis should focus only on the technical aspects of a problem and avoid any political elements. Some question whether policy analysis can be apolitical. Although it aims to provide an objective, systematic account of governmental activity, it can also be used for political purposes to generate support for existing governmental programs and future policy proposals. Hence, it is difficult to separate the technical and political components of policy analysis.

Policy analysis has become an integral component of the contemporary policy-making process. It produces information that allows assessment of the consequences of past decisions, and helps determine the merits of future governmental actions.

Bibliography:

Brewer, Garry D., and Peter deLeon. Foundations of Policy Analysis. Homewood, Ill.: Dorsey Press, 1983.
Dunn,William N. Public Policy Analysis: An Introduction. 2nd ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1994.
Dye,Thomas R. Policy Analysis: What Governments Do, Why They Do It and What Difference It Makes. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1976.
Guess, George M., and Paul G. Farnham. Cases in Public Policy Analysis. 2^nd ed.Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2000.
Radin, Beryl A. “The Evolution of the Policy Analysis Field: From Conversation to Conversations.” Journal of Policy Analysis and Management 16, no. 2 (1997): 204–218.
Weimer, David L., and Aidan Vining. Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practice. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1999.
Wildavsky, Aaron. Speaking Truth to Power: The Art and Craft of Policy Analysis. Boston: Little, Brown, 1979.

This example Policy Analysis Essay is published for educational and informational purposes only. If you need a custom essay or research paper on this topic please use our writing services. EssayEmpire.com offers reliable custom essay writing services that can help you to receive high grades and impress your professors with the quality of each essay or research paper you hand in.