Understanding Public Policy

Updated in a new 13th edition and the gold-standard for introductory public policy texts, Understanding Public Policy is designed to provide readers with concrete tools for not only understanding public policy in general, but for analyzing specific public policies.

This new edition focuses on the many policy changes initiated by President Barack Obama, with special attention given to the economic policies addressing the global financial crisis.

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Introduces the concepts and models used in political science to describe and analyze public policies, and applies them to such areas as civil rights, criminal justice, national defense, health and welfare, education, taxation, budgeting and spending, intergovernment relations and environmental protection. Updated from the 1992 edition; first published in 1972. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Formerly Professor of Government at Florida State University, Thomas Dye is President of the Lincoln Center for Public Service. He was University Teacher of the Year in 1987. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Pennsylvania State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Dye is the author of numerous books and articles on American government and public policy. He has served as president of the Southern Political Science Association, president of the Policy Studies Organization, and secretary of the American Political Science Association. Additional information is available at www.thomasrdye.com.