Writing Public Policy A Practical Guide to Communicating in the Policy-Making Process

by Smith, Catherine F.

• ISBN13: 9780199388578
• ISBN10: 0199388571
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2015-10-15
• Publisher: Oxford

Summary

In Writing Public Policy, Fourth Edition, Catherine F. Smith presents a general method for planning, producing, assessing, and critically analyzing communications in a variety of real-life public policy contexts and situations. This practical, concise guide is ideal for students preparing for careers in politics, government, public relations, law, public policy, journalism, social work, public health, or in any role related to public affairs.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: How to Use This Book
List of Writing Samples

Processes

Chapter 1: Public Policy Making
Key Concepts
Illustration 1: Milk Labeling
Illustration 2: Budgeting
Summary and Preview
References
Further Reading
Chapter 2: Communicating
Key Concepts
Viewpoint 1: Cultural Context
Viewpoint 2: Experience
Viewpoint 3: Process and Product
Viewpoint 4: General Method of Communicating in a Public Process
Two Checklists
Example
Summary and Preview
Further Reading

Practices

Chapter 3: Definition: Frame the Problem
Key Concepts
How to Define a Policy Problem
Five Examples
Summary and Preview
References
Further Reading
Chapter 4: Evaluation: Analyze and Advise
Key Concepts
Illustration: "Agroterrorism, the Threat to America's Breadbasket"
How to Critically Evaluate Policy and Analyze Policy Discourse
Three Examples
Summary and Preview
References
Further Reading
Chapter 5: Legislative History: Know the Record
Key Concepts
How to Conduct Legislative Research and Write a Legislative History
General Tips for Using Government Information Libraries
Two Examples
Summary and Preview
References
Chapter 6: Position Paper: Know the Arguments
Key Concept
How to Argue Policy
Example
Outline of the Argument to Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in the United States
Summary and Preview
References
Further Reading
Chapter 7: Petition, Proposal, Letter: Request Action
Key Concepts
How to Petition, Propose, or Write a Letter Requesting Action on Behalf of a Group
Four Examples
Summary and Preview
References
Chapter 8: Briefing, Opinion, Resolution: Inform Policy Makers
Key Concepts
How to Inform Policy Makers in a Briefing Memo, Opinion Statement, or Resolution
Three Examples
Summary and Preview
Suggestion for Further Reading
Chapter 9: Testimony: Witness in a Public Hearing
Key Concepts
How to Deliver Oral Testimony Based on a Written Statement
Develop a Testimony in Context
Two Examples
Summary and Preview
References
Chapter 10: Public Comment: Influence Administration
Key Concept
How to Write a Public Comment
Four Examples
Summary and Preview
References
Conclusion: What Writing Public Policy Means
About Clarity
Preview

Principles

Appendix A: Writing Clearly
Appendix B: Interpreting Data to Support Policy Argument
Index