Public policy has developed into a broad and interdisciplinary area of study. Research in the field tends to reflect this wide-ranging nature, with scholarly activity focusing on policy process, policy design, program evaluation, specific policy issues, and research classified simply as “policy studies.” Yet, for those teaching and studying in the field, this disjointedness can be confusing and cumbersome. This text provides a reasoned and structured framework for the field of public policy. Authors Kevin B. Smith and Christopher W. Larimer not only discuss several major theories but also offer a consistent and coherent framework for uniting the field. This organized and comprehensive approach addresses core questions and concepts, major theoretical frameworks, primary methodological approaches, and key controversies and debates. The Public Policy Theory Primer is an indispensable text for the systematic study of public policy.

Product Description: "Federalism, legislatures, governors, courts, bureaucracies, policy challenges"--Cover.

Product Description: Federal-state relations remain contentious as states continue to face stark choices over funding and public services seven years after the start of a recession that's been slow to end. The worst of the economic hardships appear to have passed, but state and local budgets continue to be tight...read more

Product Description: This volume is part of a long-running annual series that pulls together current readings to offer students a window into the real world of US state and local politics and policymaking. There is complete turnover of pieces from year to year, so the collection is as up to date as possible...read more

Product Description: This volume is part of a long-running annual series that pulls together current readings to offer students a window into the real world of state and local politics and policymaking. There is complete turnover of pieces from year to year, so the collection is as up to date as possible...read more

American Government courses are constantly changing because of world events and the political cycle. As you know, we just went through an election cycle that determined many governor races as well as the party in control of Congress. We incorporate all of these major changes in this new edition. In addition, there are other current issues covered in this new edition including issues of immigration, education, and the tensions of the federalist system. "The Promise and Performance of American Democracy" uses the theme of the title in each chapter to gauge how our government, including its institutions and political influences, are measuring up. Furthermore, the authors use political science theories to outline the promise and performance so you get a sense of how political scientists study the processes, politics, influences, and institutions, of American Government.

Product Description: Every year, editor Kevin Smith samples from publications such as Governing , State Legislatures, State News, and Campaigns & Elections to grab your students interest with highly readable and up-to-date articles that hit close to home...read more

Product Description: Every year, editor Kevin Smith samples from publications such as Governing, State Legislatures, State News, and Campaigns & Elections to grab your students' interest with highly readable and current articles that hit close to home...read more

Product Description: This fascinating issue of The ANNALS draws on the recent advancements in biological insights and applies them to political science. Pulling from a range of topics – including the role of personality traits in political decisions; personal temperament and social behavior; and how neuroendocrine mechanisms (stress-coping strategies) and social dominance influence leadership potential – this issue calls for the cooperation between political scientists and life scientists...read more

Product Description: Every year, CQ Press publishes its trusted collection of articles on a wide range of issues currently affecting state and local politics. Editor Kevin Smith samples from publications such as Governing, State Legislatures, State News, and Campaigns & Elections to grab your students interest with highly readable and current articles that hit close to home...read more

Provides information on using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 to design, build, and operate enterprise applications.

Product Description: "Federalism, legislatures, governors, courts, bureaucracies, policy challenges"--Cover.

Product Description: Explores the ideological underpinnings of school choice and other market-based education reforms.