Abstract
Earlier chapters in this book have introduced the machinery of government and the wider political, social and economic environment within which it operates. This chapter examines how government works in terms of how it deals with political issues and the nature of the public policy that emerges. Why do some issues get high on the political agenda and become hotly debated while other seemingly more pressing or urgent issues remain excluded from political consideration? In this chapter we look at how governments make policy, and differences in policy making style between governments. Who participates in policy making? In what ways do they set about solving problems? How important is leadership to successful policy making? Some theoretical approaches are explored which will help in answering these questions.
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Further reading
Hill (1997a) provides a good overview of the policy process, while Hill (1997b) is also an excellent reader. Wayne Parsons (1995) provides more extensive and detailed analysis of specific aspects.
Allison (1971) is a classic study in international decision making. Burns (1978) is a classic text exploring the concept of effective leadership. Foley (1993) gives an interesting interpretation of the changing role of the prime minister. Greenaway, Smith and Street (1992) provides an analysis of governmental decisions. For discussion of other issues see Richards (2000) and McKie (2000).
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© 2003 Bill Coxall, Lynton Robins and Robert Leach
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Coxall, B., Robins, L., Leach, R. (2003). The policy process. In: Contemporary British Politics. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-14821-9_20
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-14821-9_20
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-73243-4
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-14821-9
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