American Public Policy: An Introduction

The authors stress that the substance of policies should be evaluated through examination of current issues.

For ease of use and comparison, each chapter follows the same outline (issue background, contemporary policy, policy evaluation, and future alternatives).

Each chapter ends with notes and a list of suggested books and websites.

Tables and graphs give factual information at a glance, helping students evaluate the need for and success of the policies being examined.

The book emphasizes national policy and national policy debate without neglecting policy at the state and local levels.

A new feature, “Policy Dilemmas,” has been added to each chapter in response to reviewer feedback. Each of these features addresses a timely topic that students are learning about and are aware of, such as gun control or the Affordable Care Act. Designed to challenge students to think critically about current policy issues, the “Policy Dilemmas” also include critical thinking questions for class discussion.

Policy issues and decisions have been updated throughout the book to provide the most up-to-date information possible.

In response to reviewers' suggestions, this edition has been pared to remove unnecessary detail and make the content more accessible for students. The authors worked diligently to ensure that all of the material included has a reason to be included.