POLI 2070
10/4/13
Policy Change
• Forms of policy succession
o Linear – directly replacement or change of program location
o Consolidating – several programs become one
o Splitting – one program becomes multiple programs
o Nonlinear – complex changes that involve several kinds of succession
• Policy change is easier to enter into the policymaking process (agenda setting) &
will at times have an automatic recurring role of the agenda
• Incremental change to improve existing programs are easier to pass than new
programs
• Actually change the programs may be difficult if the change threatens the exiting
program’s viability or funding
• Change can also originate within the departmental programs themselves
• Change can be difficult if:
o Those that need to mobilize for change have an interest in the status quo
o Ideology at one or another level can influence the application of the
program ( particularly @ local level)
o The change is difficult to translate to those carrying out the policy
o Policy is carried our among several agencies with interest in maintaining
current elaboration
o Privatization requires implementing change within private contracted
companies
Economic Policy
• Intro
o Generally the economy in U.S. since end of WWII has been predictable &
stable
o Recession beginning in 2008 has adjusted thinking regarding economy’s
predictability & stability
o We look differently @ the economy now
• Background
o Previous understanding of the economy: cycles & fluctuations natural &
beyond the control of human beings (laissez faire, liberal economics)
o Changed after Great Depression & post-WWII economic boom
o Understanding of gov’ts role in economy shifted
o Debate began to center on how involved the gov’t should be in the
economy rather than should the gov’t be involved
o Economic policy = several decisions concerning spending for public
programs, patterns of taxation & interest rate charged by the bank
• Goals
o Economic growth
▪ From post WWII until mid 70s, wages & salaries increased every
year which also co-occurred w/ increase in consumer goods