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Public Policy Analysis: Gun Control Essay

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Public policies are developed in response to the existence of a perceived problem or an opportunity. The analysis delves into a public issue or problem and assesses a set of proposed government action for addressing the issue. The job of the analyst is to describe the background and status of an issue and then, using research and analysis, determine a proper government action to resolve the issue. By comparing options and weighing their expected benefits, the analyst should conclude with a recommended course of action or inaction to addressing the issue.
During the problem definition stage, one must realize that “a condition is not a social problem unless it is seen as violating certain fundamental values and beliefs about how society …show more content…

The analyst can also find research reports, identification problems, recommendations for new programs or reform to existing programs, and requests for lobbying activities.
Agenda setting has raised the following questions:
Who recognizes the issue as being a problem and why is it seen as a problem?
The Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the lobbying force of the NRA. “The institute works vigorously to defeat restrictive gun control legislation, pass pro-gun reform legislation, and to educate the public about the facts concerning the many facets of firearms ownership” (NRA, 2011).
Is the issue looked at differently by groups with different values?
Are public officials interested in responding to the problem and can a public policy be formed to address the problem?
Do public officials have the means necessary to carry out a policy response?
Has something recently happened to make this issue a problem?
How pressing is this problem?
How long will it take to respond to the problem?
Policy formulation develops policy proposals and goals to resolve the issue and restructure problems. It determines those barriers that may be incurred and what is needed from other agencies or the private sector. Also developed, are methods in which to evaluate how success will be judged and the

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