policy analysis to a single, final chapter; or not cover it at all? In the third edition of their innovative text, Kraft and Furlong take a decidedly different tack. They introduce and integrate an evaluative approach to policy throughout their text, encouraging critical and creative thinking on issues ranging from economic policy and the financial bailout to homeland security and natural disasters. "Public Policy" starts with the basics and concisely reviews institutions, policy actors, and major theoretical models. The authors then discuss the nature of policy analysis and its practice, and show students how to employ evaluative criteria in six substantive policy areas. At its core, "Public Policy" guides students through policy alternatives, arming them with analytic tools for understanding how the motivations of policy actors - both within and outside of government - influence a complex, yet comprehensible, policy agenda. Professors will appreciate its authoritative, balanced approach, and its accessibility will engage students and keep them reading. "Issues for Debate in American Public Policy, 12th Edition": Is the new health-care reform law a good idea? Should teachers be held more accountable for students - performance? Are tougher rules for financial firms needed? Are offshore drilling regulations too weak? Does capital punishment cost more to administer than it is worth? Always up-to-date on the latest controversies and concerns, this new edition of "Issues for Debate" takes up these and other compelling questions. Covering sixteen hot topics, each selection explores who the key players are, what's at stake, and explains why recognizing past and current developments is so crucial to the future. Essays include a pro/con box, chronology, bibliography, photos, charts, graphs, and maps.

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