public policy proposal essay

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

A Detailed Guide to Public Policy Proposal Example

Table of Contents

Creating a public policy proposal example involves several critical steps, including identifying the problem. It also includes researching and analyzing the issue, developing solutions, and presenting the proposal to stakeholders.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to creating a public policy proposal, including the essential elements of a proposal. We will also outline the steps in developing a proposal and tips for effective proposal writing.

What Is a Public Policy Proposal Example?

Public policy proposals are essential tools that help governments, organizations, and individuals address various societal problems and challenges .

A public policy proposal is a document that outlines specific actions that should be taken to address a particular problem or issue. It is usually presented to policymakers or other relevant stakeholders, who then decide whether to implement the proposed solution.

Essential Elements of a Public Policy Proposal

While the specific details of a public policy proposal will vary depending on the problem being addressed, several essential elements should be included. These elements include:

Problem Statement

The problem statement briefly describes the problem or issue the proposal seeks to address. It should be clear, concise, and provide enough information to help the reader understand the nature and scope of the problem.

Background and Context

The background and context section provides additional information about the problem, including its history, causes, and relevant background information. It helps the reader understand why the problem is important and how it has developed.

Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives section outlines the specific goals and objectives of the proposal. It should be clear, specific, and measurable, providing a clear roadmap for achieving the desired outcomes.

Proposed Solution

The proposed solution section outlines the specific actions that should be taken to address the problem. It should be based on research and analysis and feasible and practical.

Implementation Plan

The implementation plan outlines the steps you will take to implement the proposed solution. It should include a timeline, budget, and other relevant details.

Evaluation and Monitoring

The evaluation and monitoring section outlines how the proposal’s effectiveness will be measured and monitored over time.

It should include specific metrics and methods for measuring progress and evaluating outcomes.

Steps in Developing a Public Policy Proposal

Developing a public policy proposal involves several critical steps, including:

Identify the Problem

The first step in developing a public policy proposal is to identify the problem or issue that needs to be addressed. This may involve conducting research, analyzing data, and consulting with stakeholders.

Conduct Research and Analysis

Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to conduct research and analysis. This is to understand the problem and potential solutions better. This may involve reviewing existing literature, analyzing data, and consulting with experts.

Develop Solutions

The next step is to develop potential solutions to the problem based on the research and analysis. It is important to consider various options and evaluate their feasibility, effectiveness, and potential drawbacks.

Select a Preferred Solution

Once a range of solutions has been developed, the next step is to select a preferred solution. This is based on feasibility, effectiveness, cost, and political feasibility criteria.

Develop the Proposal

With the preferred solution selected, the next step is to develop the public policy proposal. This involves drafting the essential elements of the proposal, including the problem statement, background, and context. And also goals and objectives proposed solutions, implementation plans, and evaluation and monitoring plans.

Consult With Stakeholders

Before finalizing the proposal, consulting with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, experts, and other affected parties is essential. This can help ensure that the proposal is practical, feasible, and has broad support.

Refine the Proposal

Based on feedback from stakeholders, the proposal may need to be refined or revised to address any concerns or objections. This may involve further research or analysis, adjusting the proposed solution or implementation plan, or modifying the evaluation and monitoring plan.

Present the Proposal

Once the proposal has been refined and finalized, it is presented to relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, decision-makers, and other affected parties. This may involve formal presentations, meetings, or written submissions.

Tips for Effective Proposal Writing

Writing a public policy proposal can be a challenging task. To ensure that your proposal is effective and persuasive, here are some tips to consider:

1. Be Clear and Concise

Your proposal should be written in clear, concise language that is easy to understand. Avoid technical jargon or complex terminology that may confuse or alienate your audience.

2. Provide Evidence

Your proposal should be based on evidence and research. Use data, statistics, and other relevant information to support your arguments and recommendations.

3. Focus on Outcomes

Your proposal should focus on achieving specific outcomes and goals. Ensure that your proposal clearly articulates what you hope to achieve and how you will measure success.

4. Consider the Feasibility

Your proposal should be feasible and practical. Consider the political, economic, and social context in which your proposal will be implemented and ensure that it is viable and achievable.

5. Be Persuasive

Your proposal should be persuasive and compelling. Use persuasive language, compelling arguments, and engaging visuals to help make your case.

6. Consult With Stakeholders

Consult with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, experts, and other affected parties. This ensures your proposal is well-informed, practical, and has broad support.

Developing a public policy proposal requires careful consideration, research, and planning.

You can create a compelling proposal by following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the tips provided. This has the potential to make a significant impact on the world.

While it may require effort and attention to detail, the result can be a positive change in policy. This benefits society as a whole. With dedication and a focus on the desired outcomes, creating a public policy proposal can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Proposal Generator Articles

Creative terms and conditions agreement in business proposal.

In business, proposals are essential for securing contracts and agreements with clients. However, a proposal is only complete with terms…

• Proposal Generator

Free guide to a statement of proposal sample

A statement of proposal is a document that outlines a proposed project or initiative in detail. It is typically used…

Free Proposal Letter for Training and Development for a Head Start

Training and development are essential to improve employees’ skills, knowledge, and productivity. A well-crafted training proposal can help an organization…

Detailed Guide to Free HR Consulting Proposal

HR consulting is an essential service for businesses of all sizes. HR consultants provide expert guidance to organizations on various…

Key Guide to Better Remote Work Proposal

The rise of remote work has been a significant trend in the business world over the last few years. With…

Guide to Free E-Commerce Proposal Template

E-commerce has become one of the most popular ways of doing business recently. With the increasing number of people using…

• TemplateLab

Policy Proposal Templates

30 professional policy proposal templates [& examples].

Although you can use a policy proposal template for different purposes, there’s only one effective way to write it. A really good policy proposal should pull together all the required information in a persuasive and terse manner. Whether what you’re writing about involves a brand new system or just a small tweak in your advertising strategy, it is important to know how to write a policy proposal if you want it to get approved.

Table of Contents

• 1 Policy Proposal Templates
• 2 Types of policy proposals
• 3 Policy Proposal Examples
• 4 Parts of a policy proposal
• 5 Policy Proposals Samples
• 6 Tips for writing your policy proposal
• 7 Check your policy proposal template before submitting

Types of policy proposals

People create policies for a specific purpose which is primarily to maintain order and peace in a specific environment. There are always major issues in most workplaces which have gotten worse in the past few years. You shouldn’t take these for granted as they affect the workforce.

This is the reason why you would create a policy proposal template. Those who disobey the rules in your policy proposals example get subjected to disciplinary actions like sanctions. You can make a policy proposal for:

• Environmental Policies
• Health Policies
• HR Policies
• New Policies
• Policy Changes
• Public Policies
• Security Policies

Remember that this document is an attempt to deal with a particular problem. It should identify this problem, how it impacts an entity and should offer suggestions on how to solve it.

Before creating policy proposals examples, you have to collect information and facts. Include any supporting data that’s both credible and relevant to the problem. After the facts, you must specify the problem, establish which audience it affects, then offer a proposed solution.

After creating a hypothesis, it’s time to prove it with solid facts which you can get from scientific studies or survey statistics. Providing your policy proposal template with alternative solutions is highly appreciated too. However, you still have to prove that each solution is of help and you should back this up with hard facts.

Consider these practical pointers when you learn how to write a policy proposal:

• Make sure it’s relevant Claiming that there is an issue is easy said but proving this is a different story. The problem you choose to deal with must have a significant effect on the audience, meaning those directly affected by the problem.
• Be as specific as you can If you choose to deal with a certain issue in your policy proposal template, stick with that issue. Don’t introduce any other issues which aren’t related to the central purpose.
• Make sure your audience understands the purpose Whatever policy you recommend is often met with dissent, usually from a minority. To avoid this conflict, make sure that the readers understand the points from your own perspective. Explain why there’s a need for this policy and the benefits that your audience can derive from it.

Policy Proposal Examples

Parts of a policy proposal

Presenting a policy proposal is an excellent way to introduce your idea, especially to your supervisors who you can supply with the required information. With this, they can to decide upon knowing the complete implication of the decision they make. This also gives you the opportunity to create a structured and logical argument by laying everything down in support of your proposal.

If you present a well-made proposal to your manager, this gives him the impression that you’re genuinely concerned about the company. Any effective policy proposals examples generally contain the following parts:

• Introduction This is a brief summary of the proposal which makes mention of the problem, the solution, the costs, and the benefits. You identify your reader and just like in any other type of persuasion, you have to sound convincing. It will greatly help if you know the ways to appeal to the audience. To succeed in this, you should know who will read your proposal. Also, find out who decides if it should get denied or accepted. Expound on issues that you care about and use benefits and language that will resonate with your audience.
• Issue An issue is also referred to as the subject, main argument, purpose, background information, importance, and problem. It should answer the following questions: Who gets affected by the proposal? What’s your reason for writing the proposal? Give your explanation about the present situation including the issues associated with it.
• Solution The main definition of a solution in the context of a proposal includes your step-by-step plan, the benefits, and how to overcome any potential obstacles should they occur. You can also include here your required personnel if any. Their expertise and experience can add an element of persuasion to your proposal.
• Qualifications List down an overview of the personnel required to successfully implement the policy proposal.
• Conclusion of the benefits and costs and the wrap-up Explain in this final part on how you can balance the cost of the project against the benefits. This is the last chance you can reinforce your point so you might as well reiterate the main argument and purpose. Create a breakdown of the projected cost to use for each element of your project. Also, include a breakdown of the benefits of the project to the company or organization both non-monetary and monetary. This can convince the reader that there is a return of investment.

Finally, don’t forget to thank the reader for giving you the time to present your proposal. Also, provide them with your contact information. Make sure that this information is very clear so they can recognize the details easily.

Policy Proposals Samples

Tips for writing your policy proposal

Typically, there are two outcomes when it comes to policy proposals namely effectiveness and efficiency. Making changes to a certain setup can be a difficult undertaking but writing facts in an official document is an excellent way to present your case. In every policy proposal template, there’s always an attempt to deal with a problem.

The document also includes a description of how to solve or change such a problem. Knowing beforehand the necessary requirements and the steps to follow makes writing effective policy proposals examples easier. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Do research It’s always necessary to research so you can gather facts that to use in your proposal. What you should consider is any factual information as this adds credibility to what you’re proposing. Facts support the change you propose and you can use them to highlight the faults of the existing policies.
• Come up with a description of the problem As stated, start the proposal by identifying the issue and how this affects your audience. For instance, there’s a certain office practice or policy that you believe isn’t effective or hinders the efficiency of employees. Mention this in your proposal. If you have an issue with the findings of some research, explain your reasons against such and explain why.
• Come up with a proposed solution If you’re making a proposal, follow this up with your proposed solution as well as your implementation plans. For instance, on the issue of working remotely, you can make an outline of the rules to apply to home workers. Also, make an outline on how to monitor these employees.
• Present all of the facts Always make sure that what you present in your proposal are facts and not hearsay. You can draw these from scientific research that other companies and organizations have successfully followed in their new policy. You can also cite other credible sources to support your arguments. For instance, you can do some research on other companies which have successfully implemented the remote workplace concept. Include in your proposal the employee satisfaction and cost savings numbers in that company. If you need to present this with visual aids to explain better your proposal, then, by all means, do so.
• Wrap up your policy proposal template At the end of your proposal, write a brief conclusion that’s concise and limited to only one or two paragraphs. Here, you make a recap of all the information you’ve taken up in your proposal.
• Cite all of your sources It’s professional and courteous to make a write-up of all the sources you used for your document’s factual information. Also, include a bibliography page for all of the research you had used as sources in your proposal.

Check your policy proposal template before submitting

Make sure that your document is error-free. Clear writing is your best friend when you try to write persuasively. Before submitting the final draft of your proposal, make a few checks:

• Eliminate technical terms and jargon Jargon may be popular in business but not all people share the same love for these terms. Confusing terms may have some special meaning for you but using simpler words helps people understand you better.
• Avoid using a passive voice Avoid using a passive voice when expressing something which you can express in much simpler terms. A passive voice often sounds distant or even deceptive. Adding unnecessary words can obscure your point too.
• Proofread your proposal There are many applications that could help in proofreading your proposal. Grammarly is one of the most popular. This tool can pick up anything that looks grammatically incorrect and can even warn you about phrases which are stylistically poor. Sloppy grammar and spelling discredits the value of your proposal and can even lead to the proposal getting rejected.

More Templates

Cover Page Templates

Construction Proposal

Work From Home Policy

Policy and Procedure Templates

Policy Brief Templates

Security Policy Templates

EDU 507: Law, Policy, and Ethical Decision-Making: Writing Policy Analysis and Proposal Papers

• Research Tips This link opens in a new window
• Writing Policy Analysis and Proposal Papers

Resources for Analyzing Policies and Writing Recommendations

A major assignment for EDU 507 in the past was a policy analysis proposal.  This assignment synthesized two common tasks for the educational leader: analyzing the policies that affect their institutions or educational contexts, and making recommendations based on that analysis.  While there is no proposal component required this semester, the resources below will still be helpful for preparing the critical law and policy paper, and for understanding how to use a policy analysis to propose changes.

To the right, you will find books about policy analysis in education that you can borrow from Ikeda Library.  The library subscribes to Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis , an academic journal that you might find useful as well.  Below are resources to help you master both the policy analysis and proposal formats.  You will also find a list of eBooks available at Ikeda Library, and links to external resources, on proposal writing in the Comparative and International Education LibGuide .

As you will find, no one source completely reflects your assignment's parameters.  You will need to make decisions about what elements or aspects of  each format best meets your needs as you put together your analysis and recommendations for the consumption of your target audience.  Creating a portrait of your audience--who they are, why they are interested, what evidence will be most persuasive to them, what format would best meet their needs and expectations as readers--before you begin will help you determine how best to create a document that not only breaks down a policy for them in a way they will understand, but also persuades them that your suggestions are definitely the best for this situation. 

• Tips for Writing Policy Papers This resource by the Policy Lab at Stanford Law School incorporates a number of analysis strategies into a comprehensive guide for creating policy papers. The overviews of the PEST and SWOT analysis methods might be particularly useful for finding good starting points to help you think through your analysis.
• How to Do a Policy Analysis Paper This short article by Dr. Shane Hall at Synonym.com also provides a general approach to writing a policy analysis that includes examples of the kinds of information that should usually be considered or included.
• Suggestions for Writing Policy Analyses Philip Doty created this page for a Library Science class on Government Information at the University of Texas at Austin. It focuses on the possible structures that policy analyses can take and has suggestions for what information belongs where.
• What Is a Policy Paper? This page is from A User's Guide to Political Science, part of the Government Department's site at Wesleyan University. While intended for political science majors, this page has many useful resources for all policy analysts and has questions to help you determine your audience's needs.
• Policy Analysis for California Education: Policy Briefs This resource includes briefs, reports, and working papers on policies important to educators in California. The policy briefs are possible sources for the paper, and examples of real world applications of this assignment.
• Writing Effective Proposals This page by the California Department of Education focuses on proposal writing. While it is meant to help those seeking funds more than proposing policy changes, many of the elements required are the same. The section on technical writing has good tips for thinking about your audience and making the paper easier to read.
• Proposal: Elements of a Proposal Argument This page describes how to write a policy proposal for an education setting. The page was written by Charles Nelson for his composition course at Kean University.
• Requesting Action: Tasks for Developing Proposals and Petitions This comes from the Public Policy Writing course website by Catherine Smith from East Carolina University. Writing a policy proposal is discussed at the bottom of the page, with ideas for potential audiences and how to find problems that need to be addressed closer to the top.
• Proposal Writing Resources This list of resources at the University of Northern Colorado's Office of Sponsored Programs page has links to a number of sites and agencies, some Colorado-oriented. Many of the sources are specific to grant proposal writing, but have tips and information useful for policy proposals as well.

Books on Policy Analysis in Education at Ikeda Library

• Developing Effective Policy Analysis in Higher Education by Judith I. Gill (Editor); Laura Saunders (Editor) Call Number: LA227.4 .D48 1992 ISBN: 1555427375 Publication Date: 1993-02-03

eBooks on Policy Analysis in Education at Ikeda Library

• << Previous: Research Tips
• Next: Survey >>
• Last Updated: Jul 9, 2024 2:41 PM
• URL: https://libguides.soka.edu/EDU_507

Ikeda Library • 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 • 949-480-4205 • [email protected] • © 2021 Soka University of America

Policy Briefs

What this handout is about.

This handout will offer tips for writing effective policy briefs. Be sure to check with your instructor about their specific expectations for your assignment.

What are policy briefs?

Imagine that you’re an elected official serving on a committee that sets the standards cars must meet to pass a state inspection. You know that this is a complex issue, and you’d like to learn more about existing policies, the effects of emissions on the environment and on public health, the economic consequences of different possible approaches, and more–you want to make an informed decision. But you don’t have time to research all of these issues! You need a policy brief.

A policy brief presents a concise summary of information that can help readers understand, and likely make decisions about, government policies. Policy briefs may give objective summaries of relevant research, suggest possible policy options, or go even further and argue for particular courses of action.

How do policy briefs differ from other kinds of writing assignments?

You may encounter policy brief assignments in many different academic disciplines, from public health and environmental science to education and social work. If you’re reading this handout because you’re having your first encounter with such an assignment, don’t worry–many of your existing skills and strategies, like using evidence , being concise , and organizing your information effectively , will help you succeed at this form of writing. However, policy briefs are distinctive in several ways.

In some of your college writing, you’ve addressed your peers, your professors, or other members of your academic field. Policy briefs are usually created for a more general reader or policy maker who has a stake in the issue that you’re discussing.

Tone and terminology

Many academic disciplines discourage using unnecessary jargon, but clear language is especially important in policy briefs. If you find yourself using jargon, try to replace it with more direct language that a non-specialist reader would be more likely to understand. When specialized terminology is necessary, explain it quickly and clearly to ensure that your reader doesn’t get confused.

Policy briefs are distinctive in their focus on communicating the practical implications of research to a specific audience. Suppose that you and your roommate both write research-based papers about global warming. Your roommate is writing a research paper for an environmental science course, and you are writing a policy brief for a course on public policy. You might both use the exact same sources in writing your papers. So, how might those papers differ?

Your roommate’s research paper is likely to present the findings of previous studies and synthesize them in order to present an argument about what we know. It might also discuss the methods and processes used in the research.

Your policy brief might synthesize the same scientific findings, but it will deploy them for a very specific purpose: to help readers decide what they should do. It will relate the findings to current policy debates, with an emphasis on applying the research outcomes rather than assessing the research procedures. A research paper might also suggest practical actions, but a policy brief is likely to emphasize them more strongly and develop them more fully.

To support these changes in audience, tone, and purpose, policy briefs have a distinctive format. You should consult your assignment prompt and/or your professor for instructions about the specific requirements of your assignment, but most policy briefs have several features in common. They tend to use lots of headings and have relatively short sections. This structure differs from many short papers in the humanities that may have a title but no further headings, and from reports in the sciences that may follow the “IMRAD” structure of introduction, methods, results, and discussion. Your brief might include graphs, charts, or other visual aids that make it easier to digest the most important information within sections.  Policy briefs often include some of these sections:

• Title: A good title quickly communicates the contents of the brief in a memorable way.
• Executive Summary: This section is often one to two paragraphs long; it includes an overview of the problem and the proposed policy action.
• Context or Scope of Problem: This section communicates the importance of the problem and aims to convince the reader of the necessity of policy action.
• Policy Alternatives: This section discusses the current policy approach and explains proposed options. It should be fair and accurate while convincing the reader why the policy action proposed in the brief is the most desirable.
• Policy Recommendations: This section contains the most detailed explanation of the concrete steps to be taken to address the policy issue.
• Appendices: If some readers might need further support in order to accept your argument but doing so in the brief itself might derail the conversation for other readers, you might include the extra information in an appendix.
• Consulted or Recommended Sources: These should be reliable sources that you have used throughout your brief to guide your policy discussion and recommendations.

Depending on your specific topic and assignment, you might combine sections or break them down into several more specific ones.

How do I identify a problem for my policy brief?

An effective policy brief must propose a solution to a well-defined problem that can be addressed at the level of policy. This may sound easy, but it can take a lot of work to think of a problem in a way that is open to policy action.

For example, “bad spending habits in young adults” might be a problem that you feel strongly about, but you can’t simply implement a policy to “make better financial decisions.” In order to make it the subject of a policy brief, you’ll need to look for research on the topic and narrow it down. Is the problem a lack of financial education, predatory lending practices, dishonest advertising, or something else? Narrowing to one of these (and perhaps further) would allow you to write a brief that can propose concrete policy action.

For another example, let’s say that you wanted to address children’s health. This is a big issue, and too broad to serve as the focus of a policy brief, but it could serve as a starting point for research. As you begin to research studies on children’s health, you might decide to zoom in on the more specific issue of childhood obesity. You’ll need to consult the research further to decide what factors contribute to it in order to propose policy changes. Is it lack of exercise, nutritional deficiencies, a combination of these, or something else? Choosing one or another of these issues, your brief would zoom in even further to specific proposals that might include exercise initiatives, nutritional guidelines, or school lunch programs.

The key is that you define the problem and its contributing factors as specifically as possible so that some sort of concrete policy action (at the local, state, or national level) is feasible.

Framing the issue

Once you’ve identified the problem for yourself, you need to decide how you will present it to your reader. Your own process of identifying the problem likely had some stops, starts, and dead-ends, but your goal in framing the issue for your reader is to provide the most direct path to understanding the problem and the proposed policy change. It can be helpful to think of some of the most pressing questions your audience will have and attempt to preemptively answer those questions. Here are some questions you might want to consider:

What is the problem?

Understanding what the problem is, in the clearest terms possible, will give your reader a reference point. Later, when you’re discussing complex information, your reader can refer back to the initial problem. This will help to ‘anchor’ them throughout the course of your argument. Every piece of information in the brief should be clearly and easily connected to the problem.

What is the scope of the problem?

Knowing the extent of the problem helps to frame the policy issue for your reader. Is the problem statewide, national, or international? How many people does this issue affect? Daily? Annually? This is a great place for any statistical information you may have gathered through your research.

Who are the stakeholders?

Who does this issue affect? Adult women? College-educated men? Children from bilingual homes? The primary group being affected is important, and knowing who this group is allows the reader to assign a face to the policy issue.

Policy issues can include a complex network of stakeholders. Double check whether you have inadvertently excluded any of them from your analysis. For example, a policy about children’s nutrition obviously involves the children, but it might also include food producers, distributors, parents, and nutritionists (and other experts). Some stakeholders might be reluctant to accept your policy change or even acknowledge the existence of the problem, which is why your brief must be convincing in its use of evidence and clear in its communication.

Effective policy-writing

This handout has emphasized that good policy briefs are clear, concise, and focused on applying credible research to policy problems. Let’s take a look at two versions of the introduction to a policy brief to see how someone might write and revise to achieve these qualities:

A “not-so-good” policy brief

Adolescents’ Dermatologic Health in Outlandia: A Call to Action

The Report on Adolescents’ Dermatologic Health in Outlandia (2010), issued by Secretary of Health Dr. Polly Galver, served as a platform to increase public awareness on the importance of dermatologic health for adolescents. Among the major themes of the report are that dermatologic health is essential to general health and well-being and that profound and consequential dermatologic health disparities exist in the state of Outlandia. Dr. Galver stated that what amounts to a silent epidemic of acne is affecting some population groups–restricting activities as schools, work, and home–and often significantly diminishing the quality of life. Dr. Galver issued the Report on Adolescents’ Dermatologic Health as a wake-up call to policymakers and health professionals on issues regarding the state’s dermatologic health. (“ Not so good policy brief ,” Reproduced with permission of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD.)

This paragraph introduces a relevant and credible source, but it fails to use that source to explain a problem and propose policy action. The reader is likely to be confused because the word “acne” does not appear until the middle of the paragraph, and the brief never states what action should be taken to address it. In addition to this lack of focus, the paragraph also includes unnecessary phrases like “among the major themes” that could be removed to make it more concise.

A better policy brief

Seeing Spots: Addressing the Silent Epidemic of Acne in Outlandia’s Youth

Acne is the most common chronic disease among adolescents in Outlandia (Outlandia Department of Health, 2010). Long considered a benign rite of passage, acne actually has far-reaching effects on the health and well being of adolescents, significantly affecting success in school, social relationships, and general quality of life. Yet large portions of the state’s population are unable to access treatment for acne. The Secretary of Health’s Report on Adolescents’ Dermatologic Health in Outlandia (2010) is a call to action for policymakers and health professionals to improve the health and wellbeing of Outlandia’s youth by increasing access to dermatologic care (“ A Better Policy Brief” , Reproduced with permission of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD.)

This paragraph is far more focused and concise than the first version. The opening sentence is straightforward; instead of focusing on the source, it makes a clear and memorable point that is supported by the source. Additionally, though the first version was titled “a call to action,” it did not actually say what that action might be. In this version, it is clear that the call is for increased access to dermatologic care.

Keep in mind that clarity, conciseness, and consistent focus are rarely easy to achieve in a first draft. Careful editing and revision are key parts of writing policy briefs.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Smith, Catherine F. 2016. Writing Public Policy , 4th ed. New York: Oxford University Press.

Young, Eoin, and Lisa Quinn. n.d. “The Policy Brief.” University of Delaware. Accessed June 24, 2019. https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blog.lrei.org/dist/c/104/wp-content/uploads/sites/346/2009/11/PolicyBrief-described.pdf .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

How to Write a Policy Analysis Paper in 6 Easy Steps (+Examples)

Working on a policy analysis paper is both challenging and fulfilling. In this article, we'll guide you through the process, whether you're new to the field or experienced. Understanding how policies are made, evaluated, and recommended is crucial for making a difference in public discussions and decisions. We'll cover everything from defining your goals to researching thoroughly, analyzing data, and presenting persuasive arguments. By following these steps, you'll be able to communicate your ideas effectively, shape procedure debates, and contribute to positive changes in society. Should you need more hands-on aid with the assignment, hire a college essay writer for the maximum result.

What Is a Policy Analysis Paper

A policy analysis essay definition is a comprehensive examination and evaluation of a particular policy or set of policies within a given context. It involves analyzing the rationale behind the system, its objectives, implementation strategies, and its intended and unintended consequences. This type of paper aims to provide insights into the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and feasibility of the approach, often considering various perspectives, stakeholders, and alternatives. Through rigorous research, data analysis, and critical reasoning, procedure analysis papers aim to inform decision-makers, scholars, and the public about the strengths and weaknesses of existing policies and propose recommendations for improvement or alternative courses of action.

Haven’t Written a Policy Analysis Paper Before?

Let expert writers guide you through the process!

Policy Analysis Paper Purpose

The purpose of a policy analysis paper is to critically assess a specific procedure or set of policies in order to provide valuable insights into its effectiveness, implications, and potential areas for improvement. By examining the underlying rationale, objectives, and outcomes of the implementation, this type of paper aims to inform decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public about its strengths, weaknesses, and impacts on society. 

Students are writing a policy analysis paper in college for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to develop critical thinking and analytical skills by evaluating real-world policies and their implications. Additionally, it helps students understand the complexities of policy-making processes and how policies impact various stakeholders. Writing analysis papers also enhances research and writing skills, as students must gather and synthesize information from diverse sources to support their arguments effectively. Furthermore, engaging with procedure analysis fosters civic engagement and social responsibility, encouraging students to contribute to public discourse and advocate for evidence-based solutions. Are you dealing with multiple assignments all at the same time? If you’re about to address the audience, say, ‘ write a speech for me ,’ so our experts can relieve your workload.

Topic Ideas for Policy Analysis Paper

Here’s a collection of 50 thought-provoking policy analysis paper topics for your inspiration. In addition, we’d like to offer you informative essay topics for the purpose of learning and self-education.

• The viability of a universal healthcare system: An analysis.
• Plastic bag bans: Environmental implications examined.
• Tax credits for renewable energy adoption: Assessing effectiveness.
• Social security and raising the retirement age: Exploring implications.
• Implementing a four-day workweek: Feasibility assessment.
• Community policing strategies: Effectiveness in crime reduction.
• Increasing the minimum wage: Consequences evaluated.
• School voucher programs: Impact on educational equity.
• Congestion pricing for urban areas: Benefits and drawbacks analyzed.
• Government subsidies for electric vehicles: Effectiveness assessed.
• Zoning laws and affordable housing availability: An investigation.
• National carbon tax: Feasibility and impact explored.
• Mandatory voting laws: Consequences for political participation.
• Drug rehabilitation programs: Effectiveness in reducing recidivism.
• Legalizing marijuana: Public health implications examined.
• Immigration policies and cultural diversity: Assessing impact.
• Privatizing water utilities: Consequences analyzed.
• Anti-bullying policies in schools: Effectiveness evaluated.
• Free college tuition programs: Benefits and drawbacks assessed.
• Wealth tax implementation: Feasibility analysis.
• Ride-sharing services and traditional taxi industries: Impact assessment.
• Gender quotas in corporate leadership: Effectiveness examined.
• National gun registry: Implications and feasibility explored.
• Expanding nuclear energy production: Consequences evaluated.
• Mandatory parental leave policies: Effectiveness assessment.
• Charter school expansion: Impact on public education explored.
• Basic income implementation: Viability and consequences assessed.
• Affordable housing initiatives: Success factors examined.
• Internet privacy regulations: Impact on data security analyzed.
• Corporate tax breaks: Economic implications assessed.
• Universal preschool programs: Long-term benefits explored.
• Climate change adaptation policies: Effectiveness in resilience building.
• Universal voting by mail: Implications for voter turnout examined.
• Reducing military spending: Consequences and feasibility analyzed.
• Workplace diversity training: Effectiveness in promoting inclusivity.
• Renewable energy subsidies: Impact on energy independence assessed.
• Telecommuting incentives: Feasibility and impact on traffic analyzed.
• Carbon capture and storage initiatives: Viability and effectiveness.
• Local food sourcing policies: Benefits for communities examined.
• Police body camera mandates: Impact on accountability assessed.
• Community land trust programs: Success factors and limitations.
• Mental health parity laws: Effectiveness in improving access.
• Corporate social responsibility regulations: Impact on sustainability.
• Universal pre-kindergarten education: Social and economic benefits.
• Land value tax implementation: Impact on property markets assessed.
• Affordable childcare initiatives: Impact on workforce participation.
• Smart city technology investments: Benefits for urban development.
• Flexible work hour policies: Impact on productivity and well-being.
• Prescription drug pricing regulations: Consequences for affordability.
• Public-private partnerships for infrastructure development: Effectiveness and risks assessed.

If you need more ideas, you may want to consult our guide on argumentative essay topics , which will definitely help kickstart your creativity. 

How to Structure a Policy Analysis Paper

A policy analysis paper format demands organizing your content coherently and logically to effectively communicate your analysis and findings. Here's a typical structure you can follow:

Introduction

• Provide an overview of the issue or problem you're analyzing.
• Clearly state the purpose of your analysis.
• Introduce the policy or policies under review.
• Provide background information to contextualize the issue.
• State your thesis or research question.

Policy Context and Background

• Provide more in-depth background information on the issue.
• Describe the historical development of the policies.
• Discuss the context in which the procedure was implemented.
• Identify key stakeholders and their interests in the strategy.

Policy Analysis Framework

• Explain the framework or methodology you're using to analyze the policy.
• Define key concepts and terms relevant to your analysis.
• Discuss any theoretical frameworks or models guiding your analysis.
• Outline the criteria or criteria you will use to evaluate the procedure's effectiveness.

Policy Goals and Objectives

• Identify and discuss the stated goals and objectives of the policy.
• Evaluate the clarity and coherence of these goals.
• Discuss any potential conflicts or contradictions among the goals.

Policy Implementation

• Describe how the policy has been implemented in practice.
• Discuss any challenges or barriers to implementation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation strategies.

Policy Outcomes and Impacts

• Assess the outcomes and impacts of the policy.
• Evaluate the extent to which the procedure has achieved its intended goals.
• Discuss any unintended consequences or side effects of the approach.

Policy Alternatives

• Identify and discuss alternative policy options or approaches.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative.
• Discuss the potential trade-offs associated with each alternative.

Recommendations

• Based on your analysis, provide recommendations for policymakers.
• Discuss specific actions or changes that could improve the process.
• Justify your recommendations with evidence from your analysis.
• Summarize the main findings of your analysis.
• Restate your thesis or research question.
• Reflect on the broader implications of your analysis.
• Discuss any limitations or areas for further research.
• Provide a list of sources cited in your paper.
• Follow the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Need help with the assignment at this stage? Hire writer for political essay help to save time and secure optimal academic results.

How to Write a Policy Analysis Paper

In this section, we'll cover the basics of writing a policy analysis paper. This type of paper involves breaking down complicated policy issues, figuring out how well they're working, and suggesting ways to make them better. We'll walk you through the steps, like defining the goals of the implementation, looking at how it's being put into action, and checking what effects it's having. By the end, you'll have the skills to write a clear, well-reasoned paper that can help shape policies for the better. 

Understanding the Policy Issue

Start by thoroughly understanding the policy issue or problem you're analyzing. Research its background, context, and significance. Identify key stakeholders, relevant laws or regulations, and any existing policies addressing the issue.

Defining the Scope and Purpose

Clearly define the scope and purpose of your analysis. Determine what specific aspect of the approach you'll focus on and why it's important. Clarify the goals of your analysis and what you hope to achieve with your paper. Use an expert essay writing service to streamline your effort in producing a first-class paper. 

Gathering Data and Evidence

Collect relevant data and evidence to support your analysis. This may include statistical information, case studies, expert opinions, and academic research. Use credible sources and ensure your data is accurate and up-to-date.

Analyzing the Policy

A policy analysis paper evaluates the legislative program’s effectiveness, strengths, weaknesses, and implications. Use a structured approach, such as a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or cost-benefit analysis, to assess the procedure from multiple perspectives. Consider its intended goals, implementation strategies, outcomes, and unintended consequences. If you need help with SWOT analysis, using our analytical essay writing service is highly recommended. 

Developing Recommendations

Based on your analysis, develop clear and actionable recommendations for policymakers or stakeholders. Identify specific changes or improvements that could enhance the system’s effectiveness or address its shortcomings. Support your recommendations with evidence and reasoning.

Writing and Communicating Your Analysis

Organize your analysis into a coherent and persuasive paper. Structure your paper with an introduction, background information, analysis, recommendations, and conclusion. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms unless necessary. Provide citations for your sources and evidence. Finally, ensure your paper is well-written, logically organized, and effectively communicates your insights and recommendations.

Policy Analysis Paper Example

A policy analysis paper example serves as a valuable learning tool for students by providing a concrete model to follow and reference when undertaking their own analysis assignments. By studying an example paper, students can gain insights into the structure, content, and methodology of analysis, helping them understand how to effectively frame their analysis, support their arguments with evidence, and formulate actionable recommendations.

Example 1: “Implementing Universal Basic Income”

This policy analysis paper examines the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program in the United States. It explores various options for UBI design, including cost and financing considerations, labor market effects, poverty reduction potential, and administrative feasibility. By reviewing existing evidence and debates surrounding UBI, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting such a program, ultimately highlighting the need for careful analysis, experimentation, and stakeholder engagement in shaping effective UBI policies.

Example 2: “Addressing Climate Change through Carbon Pricing”

This policy analysis paper examines the role of carbon pricing policies in addressing climate change, evaluating their efficacy, implementation challenges, and potential impacts. Carbon pricing mechanisms, including carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems, aim to internalize the external costs of carbon emissions and incentivize emission reductions. The paper discusses the economic efficiency of carbon pricing in promoting innovation and investment in clean technologies while also addressing equity considerations regarding its distributional impacts on low-income households and vulnerable communities.

Writing a policy analysis paper is super important for students because it helps them learn how to tackle tough societal problems and make smart decisions. You get to sharpen your thinking skills, learn how to research thoroughly and become better at expressing yourself clearly. Plus, writing these papers helps students practice effectively communicating their ideas, which is a skill they'll need in their future careers, whether they work in government, nonprofits, or elsewhere. By digging into real-world issues, students also get a better grip on how politics, economics, and society all fit together. If you’re not committed to handling this task yourself, instruct our experts, saying, ‘ write my essay ,’ and receive the most competent help within hours. 

How Short Is Your Deadline?

Use our writing service to submit an A-grade policy analysis paper on time.

What Is a Policy Analysis Paper Outline?

How to write a policy analysis paper, what is a policy analysis paper.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

• Annotated Bibliography
• Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
• Group Presentations
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• Types of Structured Group Activities
• Group Project Survival Skills
• Leading a Class Discussion
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Works
• Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Writing a Case Study
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Reflective Paper
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Generative AI and Writing
• Acknowledgments

A policy memo is a practical, professionally written document that can vary in length from one page to over twenty-five pages. It provides analysis and recommendations directed to a predetermined audience regarding a specific situation, topic, or issue. A well-written policy memo reflects attention to the policy problem. It is well organized and structured in a clear and concise style that assumes the reader possesses limited knowledge of, as well as little time to conduct research about, the topic of concern. There is no thesis statement or overall theoretical framework underpinning the document; the focus is on describing one or more specific policy recommendations and their supporting action items.

Bhasin, Tavishi and Charity Butcher. “Teaching Effective Policy Memo Writing and Infographics in a Policy Programme.” European Political Science 21 (2022): 1-17; Davis, Jennifer. Guide to Writing Effective Policy Memos. MIT OpenCourseWare, Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Planning in Developing Countries, Spring 2004; Judge, Andrew. "Designing and Implementing Policy Writing Assessments: A Practical Guide." Teaching Public Administration 39 (2021): 351-368; Pennock, Andrew. “The Case for Using Policy Writing in Undergraduate Political Science Courses.” PS: Political Science and Politics 44 (January 2011): 141-146.

How to Approach Writing a Policy Memo

Benefits of Writing a Policy Memo

Writing a policy memo is intended to support the following learning outcomes:

• Helps students learn how to write academically rigorous, persuasive papers about a specific “real-world” issue;
• Teaches how to choose and craft a document’s content based on the needs of a particular audience [rather than for a general readership];
• Prepares students to write an effective position paper in non-academic settings;
• Promotes researching, organizing, and writing a persuasive paper that emphasizes presenting evidence-based recommendations rather than simply reporting a study's findings;
• Teaches students to be client-oriented and to better anticipate the assumptions and concerns of their targeted readership;
• Encourages reflective thinking about the cause and consequential effect of a particular recommendation and to anticipate what questions stakeholder groups may have; and,
• Enables students to create original work that synthesizes policy-making research into a clearly written document advocating change and specific courses of action.

Do not approach writing a policy memo in the same way as you would an academic research paper . Yes, there are certain commonalities in how the content is presented [e.g., a well-written problem statement], but the overarching objective of a policy memo is not to discover or create new knowledge. It is focused on providing to a predetermined group of readers the rationale for choosing a particular policy alternative and/or specific courses of action leading to positive social and political change within society. In this sense, most policy memos possess a component of advocacy and advice intended to promote evidence-based dialog about an issue.

Essential Elements of an Effective Policy Memo Focus and Objectives The overall content of your memo should be strategically aimed at achieving the following goal: convincing your target audience about the accuracy of your analysis and, by extension, that your policy recommendations are valid. Avoid lengthy digressions and superfluous narration that can distract the reader from understanding the policy problem. Note that your target audience is defined in two ways: by the decision-makers who can advocate for or implement change and by individuals and groups most likely impacted by your policy recommendations should they be implemented. Professionally Written Always keep in mind that a policy memorandum is a tool for decision-making. Keep it professional and avoid hyperbole and clever or indeterminate language that could undermine the credibility of your document. The presentation and content of the memo should be polished, easy to understand, and free of jargon. Writing professionally does not imply that you can’t be passionate about your topic, but your policy recommendations should be evidence-based and grounded in solid reasoning and a succinct writing style. Evidence-based A policy memo is not an argumentative debate paper. The reader should expect your recommendations to be based upon evidence that the problem exists and understand the consequences [both good and bad] of adopting particular policy alternatives. To address this, policy memos should include a clear cost-benefit analysis that considers anticipated outcomes, the potential impact on stakeholder groups you have identified, clear and quantifiable performance goals, and how success will be measured. Accessibility A policy memo requires clear and simple language that avoids unnecessary jargon and concepts of an academic discipline. Do not skip around. Use one paragraph to develop one idea or argument and make that idea or argument explicit within the first one or two sentences. Your memo should have a straightforward, explicit organizational structure that provides well-explained arguments arranged within a logical sequence of reasoning [think in terms of an if/then logic model--if this policy recommendation, then this action; if this benefit, then this potential cost; if this group is allocated resources, then this group may be excluded]. Presentation Style The visual impact of your memo affects the reader’s ability to grasp your ideas quickly and easily. Include a table of contents and list of figures and charts, if necessary. Subdivide the text using clear and descriptive headings to guide the reader. Incorporate devices such as capitalization, bold text, and bulleted items, but be consistent, and don’t go crazy; the purpose is to facilitate access to specific sections of the paper for successive readings. If it is difficult to find information in your document, policy makers will not use it. Practical and Feasible Your memorandum should provide a set of actions based on what is actually happening in reality. Do not base your policy recommendations on future scenarios or hypothetical situations that could be interpreted as unlikely to occur or that do not appear possible because you have not adequately explained the circumstances supporting these scenarios. Here again, your cost-benefit analysis can be essential to validating the practicality and feasibility of your recommendations. Explicit Transparency Provide specific criteria to assess either the success or failure of the policies you are recommending. As much as possible, this criteria should be derived from your cost/benefit analysis or framed as a SWOT [Strengths-weaknesses, opportunities-threats]. Do not hide or under-report information that does not support your policy recommendations. Just as you would note the limitations of your study in a research paper, a policy memo should describe issues of weakness of your analysis. Explain why they may arise and why your recommendations are still valid despite these issues. Be open and straightforward because doing so strengthens your arguments and it will help the reader assess the overall impact of recommended policy changes.

NOTE: Technically, it would not be wrong for your policy memo to argue for maintaining the status quo. However, the general objective of a policy memo assignment is to critically examine opportunities for transformative change and to highlight the risks of on-going complacency. If you choose to argue for maintaining the current policy trajectory, in whole or in part, be concise in identifying and systematically refuting all relevant policy options. Again, it must be rooted in an evidence-based cost/benefit analysis. Whether maintaining current policies is short-term or long-term [and these need to be clearly defined], you must explain concisely why each possible outcome of maintaining the status quo would be preferable to any alternative policy options and recommended courses of action. If your argument for maintaining the status quo is short-term, explain what factors in the future could trigger a policy-related course correction.

Herman, Luciana. Policy Memos. John F. Kennedy School of Government. Harvard University; How to Write a Public Policy Memo. Student Learning Center. University of California, Berkeley; Policy Memo. Thompson Writing Program, Writing Studio. Duke University; Policy Memo Guidelines. Cornell Fellows Program. Cornell University; Memo: Audience and Purpose. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Policy Memo Requirements and Guidelines, 2012-2013 edition. Institute for Public Policy Studies. University of Denver; Thrall, A. Trevor. How to Write a Policy Memo. University of Michigan--Dearborn, 2006; Mastro, Oriana Skylar. "Teach What you Preach: A Comprehensive Guide to the Policy Memo as a Methods Teaching Tool." Journal of Political Science Education 17 (2021): 326-340; Writing Effective Memos. Electronic Hallway. Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. University of Washington; Writing Effective Policy Memos. Water & Sanitation Infrastructure Planning syllabus. Spring 2004. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Structure and Writing Style

The contents of a policy memo can be organized in a variety of ways. Below is a general template adapted from the “Policy Memo Requirements and Guidelines, 2012-2013 edition” published by the Institute for Public Policy Studies at the University of Denver and from suggestions made in the book, A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem-Solving [Eugene Bardach. 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2012] . Both sources provide useful approaches to writing a policy memo in the event your professor does not provide specific guidance. Overall, the tone of your writing should be formal but assertive. Note that the most important consideration in terms of writing style is professionalism, not creativity. I.  Cover Page Provide a complete and informative cover page that includes the document title, date, the full names and titles of the writer or writers [i.e., Joe Smith, Student, Department of Political Science, University of Southern California]. The title of the policy memo should be formally written and specific to the policy issue [e.g., “Charter Schools, Fair Housing, and Legal Standards: A Call for Equal Treatment”]. For longer memos, consider including a brief executive summary that highlights key findings and recommendations.

II.  Introduction and Problem Definition A policy memorandum should begin with a short summary introduction that defines the policy problem, provides important contextual background information, and explains what issues are being covered. This is followed by a short justification for writing the memo, why a decision needs to be made [answering the “So What?” question], and an outline of the recommendations you make or key themes the reader should keep in mind. Summarize your main points in a few sentences, then conclude with a description of how the remainder of the memo is organized.

III.  Methods This is usually where other research about the problem or issue of concern is summarized. Describe how you plan to identify and locate the information on which your policy memo is based. This may include peer-reviewed journals and books as well as possible professionals you interviewed, databases and websites you explored, or legislative histories or relevant case law that you used. Remember this is not intended to be a thorough literature review; only choose sources that persuasively support your position or that help lay a foundation for understanding why actions need to be taken.

IV.  Issue Analysis This section is where you explain in detail how you examined the issue and, by so doing, persuade the reader of the appropriateness of your analysis. This is followed by a description of how your analysis contributes to the current policy debate. It is important to demonstrate that the policy issue may be more complex than a basic pro versus con debate. Very few public policy debates can be reduced to this type of rhetorical dichotomy. Be sure your analysis is thorough and takes into account all factors that may influence possible strategies that could advance a recommended set of solutions.

V.  Proposed Solutions Write a brief review of the specific solutions you evaluated, noting the criteria by which you examined and compared different proposed policy alternatives. Identify the stakeholders impacted by the proposed solutions and describe in what ways they will benefit from your proposed solution. Focus on identifying solutions that have not been proposed or tested elsewhere. Offer a contrarian viewpoint that challenges the reader to take into account a new perspective on the research problem. Note that you can propose solutions that may be considered radical or unorthodox, but they must be realistic and politically feasible.

VI.  Strategic Recommendations Solutions are just opinions until you provide a path that delineates how to get from where you are to where you want to go. Describe what you believe are the best recommended courses of action [i.e., "action items"]. In writing this section, state the broad approach to be taken, with specific, practical steps or measures that should be implemented. Be sure to also state by whom and within what time frame these actions should be taken. Conclude by highlighting the consequences of maintaining the status quo [or if supporting the status quo, why change at this time would be detrimental]. Also, clearly explain why your strategic recommendations are best suited for addressing the current policy situation.

VI.  Limitations As in any academic paper, you must describe limitations to your analysis. In particular, ask yourself if each of your recommendations are realistic, feasible, and sustainable, and in particular, that they can be implemented within the current bureaucratic, economic, political, cultural, social, or other type of contextual climate in which they reside. If not, you should go back and clarify your recommendations and provide further evidence as to why the recommendation is most appropriate for addressing the issue. It does not necessarily undermine the overall recommendations of your study if the limitation cannot be overcome, but you must clearly acknowledge this. Place the limitation within the context of a critical issue that needs further study in concurrence with possible implementation [i.e., findings indicate service learning promotes civic engagement, but there is a lack of data on the types of service learning programs that exist among high schools in South Central Los Angeles].

VII.  Cost-Benefit Analysis This section may be optional but, in some cases, your professor may ask you to include an explicit summary analysis of the costs and benefits of each recommendation. If you are asked to include a separate cost-benefit analysis, be concise and brief. Since most policy memos do not have a formal conclusion, the cost-benefit analysis can act as your conclusion by summarizing the key differences among policy alternatives and recommended courses of action.

NOTE:   A feature found in many policy memos is the inclusion of text boxes or sidebars that are separate from the main body of text. A text box contains a useful checklist, case study, summary, example, quotation, definition, or expansion of an idea that is located close to the text it supports. A sidebar is a type of exclamation located beside or within the main content that brings further attention to a key point or is used to encourage the reader to pay particular attention to that section of the memo. A sidebar often contains a quotation or brief statement lifted from the main text. Both features are appropriate to use in your policy memo, but don't overdo it. Limit the use of a text box or sidebar to only the most essential text that expands or adds value to understanding content in a specific section of the policy memo, in particular, in the issue analysis section or when describing your strategic recommendations.

Bardach, Eugene. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem-Solving . 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2012; Herman, Luciana. Policy Memos. John F. Kennedy School of Government. Harvard University; How to Write a Public Policy Memo. Student Learning Center. University of California, Berkeley; Policy Memo Guidelines. Cornell Fellows Program. Cornell University; Memo: Audience and Purpose. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Pennock, Andrew. “The Case for Using Policy Writing in Undergraduate Political Science Courses.” PS: Political Science and Politics 44 (January 2011): 141-146; Policy Memo Requirements and Guidelines, 2012-2013 edition. Institute for Public Policy Studies. University of Denver; Text Boxes and Callouts. Australian Government Style Manual; Thrall, A. Trevor. How to Write a Policy Memo. University of Michigan--Dearborn, 2006; Sajedinejad, S., et al. From Research to Impact: A Toolkit for Developing Effective Policy Briefs . Toronto, Ontario: Policy Bench, Fraser Mustard Institute of Human Development, University of Toronto, 2021; What Are Policy Briefs. FAO Corporate Document Repository. United Nations; Writing Effective Memos. Electronic Hallway. Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. University of Washington; Writing Effective Policy Memos. Water & Sanitation Infrastructure Planning syllabus. Spring 2004. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Proofreading the Memo

Problems to Avoid

The style and arrangement of an effectively written memo can differ because no two policies, nor their intended audience of readers, are exactly the same. Nevertheless, before you submit your policy memo, be sure you proofread the document so that you avoid these common problems. If you identify one or more of these problems, you should rewrite or re-organize the content accordingly.

1.  Acknowledge the Law of Unintended Consequences . No policy analysis is complete until you have identified for whom the policy actions are supposed to benefit and identify what groups may be impacted by the consequences of their implementation. Review your memo and make sure you have clearly delineated who could be helped and who could be potentially harmed or excluded from benefiting from your recommended policy actions. As noted by Wilcoxen, this is also important because describing who may or may not benefit can help you anticipate which stakeholder groups will support your policy recommendations and which groups will likely oppose it. Calculating potential "winners" and "losers" will help reveal how much it may cost to compensate those groups excluded from benefiting. By building this compensation into your policy recommendations, you are better able to show the reader how to reduce political obstacles.

2.  Anticipate the Reader's Questions . Examine your recommended courses of action and identify any open-ended, declarative, indeterminate, or ambiguous statements that could lead the reader to have to ask further questions. For example, you declare that the most important factor supporting school choice among parents is distance from home. Without clarification or additional information, this could lead the reader to ask numerous questions, such as, why or by what means do you know this, what distance is considered to be too far, what factors contribute to parent's decision about school choice and distance from schools, or what age group does this most apply to. Clarify these types of open-ended statements so that your policy recommendations can be more fully understood and accepted as valid.

3.  Be Concise . Being succinct in your writing does not relate to the overall length of the policy memo or the amount of words you use. It relates to your ability to provide a lot of information clearly and without superfluous detail. Strategies include r eviewing long paragraphs and breaking them up into parts, looking for long sentences and eliminating unnecessary qualifiers and modifiers, and deleting prepositional phrases in favor of adjectives or adverbs. The overarching goal is to be thorough and precise in how your ideas are presented and to avoid writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions.

4.  Focus on the Results . While it is important that your memo describe the methods by which you gathered and analyzed the data informing your policy recommendations, the content should focus on explaining the results of your analysis and the logic underpinning your recommendations. Remember your audience. The reader is presumably a decision-maker with limited knowledge of the issue and who has little time to contemplate the methods of analysis. The validity of your findings will be determined primarily by your reader's determination that your policy recommendations and supporting action items are realistic and rooted in sound reasoning. Review your memo and make sure the statement about how you gathered the data is brief and concise. If necessary, technical issues or raw data can be included in an appendix.

5.  Minimize Subjective Reasoning . Although the memo should be persuasive, avoid emphasizing your personal opinion about the topic. A policy memo should be written in a professional tone with recommendations based upon empirical reasoning while, at the same time, reflecting a level of passion about your topic. However, being passionate does not imply being opinionated. The memo should emphasize presenting all of the facts a reader would need to reach their own conclusions about the validity of your recommendations.

6.  Use of Non-textual Elements . It is common for policy memos to include data, statistics, and other types of information that require visualization. Review all tables, charts, figures, graphs, photographs, and other non-textual elements and make sure they are labeled correctly. Examine each in relation to the text, making sure they are described adequately and that they relate to the overall content of your memo. If these elements are located in appendices, make sure descriptive references to them within the text are correct [i.e., reference to Figure 2 is actually the table you want the reader to look at].

Bardach, Eugene and Eric M. Pataschnik. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem-Solving . 5th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2016; Herman, Luciana. Policy Memos. John F. Kennedy School of Government. Harvard University; How to Write a Public Policy Memo. Student Learning Center. University of California, Berkeley; Memo: Audience and Purpose. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Policy Memo Requirements and Guidelines, 2012-2013 edition. Institute for Public Policy Studies. University of Denver; Wilcoxen, Peter J. Tips on Writing a Policy Memo. PAI 723, Economics for Public Decisions Course Syllabus. Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University.

Writing Tip

Difference Between a Policy Memo and a Policy Brief

A policy memo and a policy brief share much in common. They both describe the rationale for choosing particular policy alternatives or courses of action, they both contain persuasive language, and both documents are written for non-experts, such as, practitioners, politicians, non-governmental agency workers, lobbyists, and others who work on or regularly make decisions about the issue addressed in the document. Both documents are free of jargon or technical terminology and focus on communicating the practical implications of prior policy research to a specific audience based on available evidence.

Ironically, however, a policy memo is typically shorter in length than a policy “brief.” A policy memo usually ranges from one to twenty-five pages, while a policy brief can be anywhere from twenty to more than a hundred pages in length depending on the complexity of the topic. Therefore:

• A policy brief is commonly produced in response to a request from a decision-maker concerning an issue that requires more thorough information to address the underlying policy problem or they are produced by an advocacy group or organization for the purpose of influencing a specific policy, often in an urgent tone. Non-textual elements , such as, figures, charts, graphs, or diagrams, are often included.
• A policy memo is concisely written and presents information, ideas, and recommendations clearly so the reader can quickly scan the document for the most relevant points. Policy memos focus on brevity and often synthesize existing evidence in language that is direct, specific, and with minimal background information or historical context. Non-textual elements are only included if necessary.

Guide to Writing an Effective Policy Memo. Leadership for Educational Equity, New York; Policy Briefs. The Writing Center, University of North Carolina;  Policy Memo. Writing Studio, Duke University; Manny, Karoline. What is a Policy Brief/Memo? Grace Doherty Library, Centra College; Sajedinejad, S., et al. From Research to Impact: A Toolkit for Developing Effective Policy Briefs . Toronto, Ontario: Policy Bench. Fraser Mustard Institute of Human Development, University of Toronto, 2021.

Another Writing Tip

Citing Sources

Policy memos generally do not include extensive footnotes, endnotes, further readings, or a bibliography. However, if you use supporting information in a memo, cite the source in the text. For example, you may refer to a study that supported a specific assertion by referencing it in the following manner: "A study published in 2012 by the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling showed that public opinion towards China was....” However, some assignments may require a formal list of references. Before writing your memo, be sure you are clear about how your professor wants you to cite any sources referred to in your analysis.

Policy Memo. Thompson Writing Program, Writing Studio. Duke University.

Yet Another Writing Tip

Using Non-Textual Elements

Policy memos are not just text-based but frequently include numeric tables and charts or other non-textual elements, such as photographs, maps, and illustrations. However, it is important that you use non-textual elements judiciously and only in relation to supplementing and clarifying arguments made in the text so as not to distract the reader from the main points of your memo . As with any non-textual elements, describe what the reader is seeing and why the data is important to understanding the policy problem.

Still Yet Another Writing Tip

Including Appendices

The purpose of an appendix is to provide supplementary material that is not an essential part of the main text but which may be helpful in providing the reader with more complete information. If you have information that is vital to understanding an issue discussed in the memo, it can be included in one or more appendices. However, if you have a lot of information, don't write a five page memo and include twenty pages of appendices. Memos are intended to be  succinct and clearly expressed. If there is a lot of data, refer to the source and summarize it, or discuss with your professor how it should be included.

• << Previous: Writing Field Notes
• Next: Writing a Reflective Paper >>
• Last Updated: Jun 3, 2024 9:44 AM
• URL: https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/assignments

8 steps to drafting a policy proposal

Creating an effective policy proposal is a critical skill for any lobbyist, especially when addressing issues of public concern. The ability to craft a compelling and persuasive policy proposal can significantly influence the success of your lobbying efforts. Here's a brief guide to creating a policy proposal,

STEP 1: Identify the Issue

Clearly define the issue of public concern you want to address. Understanding the problem in-depth is crucial for formulating a viable solution.

STEP 2: Research and Analysis

Conduct thorough research to gather relevant data and information. This includes understanding existing policies, stakeholders' perspectives, and potential impacts of the proposed changes.

STEP 3: Define Your Objective

Clearly articulate the goal of your proposal. What specific change or outcome are you advocating for?

STEP 4: Develop a Strategy

Outline a strategic approach to achieve your objective. This involves identifying key stakeholders, potential allies, and opposition, and planning how to engage with them.

STEP 5: Draft the Proposa l

Write a clear, concise, and compelling proposal. It should include an introduction to the issue, evidence-based analysis, your proposed solution, and the expected benefits of the solution.

STEP 6: Engage Stakeholders

Build support for your proposal by engaging with key stakeholders. This includes decision-makers, influencers, and the public.

STEP 7: Present the Proposal

Prepare to present your proposal in various forums, adapting your communication style to different audiences.

STEP 8: Follow-up and Adaptation

Be prepared to follow up with stakeholders, address feedback, and adapt your proposal as necessary.

Our Comprehensive Course

In our full course, we delve deeper into each of these steps, providing you with the tools, techniques, and insider knowledge to become a successful lobbyist. You will learn:

- Advanced research techniques specific to policy-making.

- Strategies for stakeholder engagement and coalition building.

- Techniques for persuasive writing and effective communication.

- Methods for monitoring and evaluating policy impact.

This course is designed not only to teach you how to write a policy proposal but also to complete a comprehensive lobbying strategy from start to finish. It's an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of public policy and advocacy.

Stay tuned for more information on our course and learn the art of transforming public concerns into actionable policy changes!

COURSE RELATED TO THIS ARTICLE

RELATED NEWS & ARTICLES

Επαλήθευση χρέους στο πλαίσιο εκκαθαρίσεων στην Κύπρο

Protect Your Business: the Legal Essentials Every Entrepreneur Must Know

Επιχορήγηση της ΑνΑΔ – Ποιος είναι ο «δικαιούχος»;

Social Media

• Search Menu

Sign in through your institution

• Browse content in Arts and Humanities
• Browse content in Archaeology
• Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Archaeology
• Archaeological Methodology and Techniques
• Archaeology by Region
• Archaeology of Religion
• Archaeology of Trade and Exchange
• Biblical Archaeology
• Contemporary and Public Archaeology
• Environmental Archaeology
• Historical Archaeology
• History and Theory of Archaeology
• Industrial Archaeology
• Landscape Archaeology
• Mortuary Archaeology
• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Underwater Archaeology
• Urban Archaeology
• Zooarchaeology
• Browse content in Architecture
• Architectural Structure and Design
• History of Architecture
• Residential and Domestic Buildings
• Theory of Architecture
• Browse content in Art
• Art Subjects and Themes
• History of Art
• Industrial and Commercial Art
• Theory of Art
• Biographical Studies
• Byzantine Studies
• Browse content in Classical Studies
• Classical History
• Classical Philosophy
• Classical Mythology
• Classical Numismatics
• Classical Literature
• Classical Reception
• Classical Art and Architecture
• Classical Oratory and Rhetoric
• Greek and Roman Epigraphy
• Greek and Roman Law
• Greek and Roman Archaeology
• Greek and Roman Papyrology
• Late Antiquity
• Religion in the Ancient World
• Social History
• Digital Humanities
• Browse content in History
• Colonialism and Imperialism
• Diplomatic History
• Environmental History
• Genealogy, Heraldry, Names, and Honours
• Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
• Historical Geography
• History by Period
• History of Agriculture
• History of Education
• History of Emotions
• History of Gender and Sexuality
• Industrial History
• Intellectual History
• International History
• Labour History
• Legal and Constitutional History
• Local and Family History
• Maritime History
• Military History
• National Liberation and Post-Colonialism
• Oral History
• Political History
• Public History
• Regional and National History
• Revolutions and Rebellions
• Slavery and Abolition of Slavery
• Social and Cultural History
• Theory, Methods, and Historiography
• Urban History
• World History
• Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
• Language Learning (Specific Skills)
• Language Teaching Theory and Methods
• Browse content in Linguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Cognitive Linguistics
• Computational Linguistics
• Forensic Linguistics
• Grammar, Syntax and Morphology
• Historical and Diachronic Linguistics
• History of English
• Language Acquisition
• Language Variation
• Language Families
• Language Evolution
• Language Reference
• Lexicography
• Linguistic Theories
• Linguistic Typology
• Linguistic Anthropology
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Psycholinguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Translation and Interpretation
• Writing Systems
• Browse content in Literature
• Bibliography
• Children's Literature Studies
• Literary Studies (Asian)
• Literary Studies (European)
• Literary Studies (Eco-criticism)
• Literary Studies (Modernism)
• Literary Studies (Romanticism)
• Literary Studies (American)
• Literary Studies - World
• Literary Studies (1500 to 1800)
• Literary Studies (19th Century)
• Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
• Literary Studies (African American Literature)
• Literary Studies (British and Irish)
• Literary Studies (Early and Medieval)
• Literary Studies (Fiction, Novelists, and Prose Writers)
• Literary Studies (Gender Studies)
• Literary Studies (Graphic Novels)
• Literary Studies (History of the Book)
• Literary Studies (Plays and Playwrights)
• Literary Studies (Poetry and Poets)
• Literary Studies (Postcolonial Literature)
• Literary Studies (Queer Studies)
• Literary Studies (Science Fiction)
• Literary Studies (Travel Literature)
• Literary Studies (War Literature)
• Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
• Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
• Mythology and Folklore
• Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
• Browse content in Media Studies
• Browse content in Music
• Applied Music
• Dance and Music
• Ethics in Music
• Ethnomusicology
• Gender and Sexuality in Music
• Medicine and Music
• Music Cultures
• Music and Religion
• Music and Culture
• Music and Media
• Music Education and Pedagogy
• Music Theory and Analysis
• Musical Scores, Lyrics, and Libretti
• Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
• Musicology and Music History
• Performance Practice and Studies
• Race and Ethnicity in Music
• Sound Studies
• Browse content in Performing Arts
• Browse content in Philosophy
• Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
• Epistemology
• Feminist Philosophy
• History of Western Philosophy
• Meta-Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Moral Philosophy
• Non-Western Philosophy
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Action
• Philosophy of Law
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy of Language
• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Perception
• Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
• Practical Ethics
• Social and Political Philosophy
• Browse content in Religion
• Biblical Studies
• Christianity
• East Asian Religions
• History of Religion
• Judaism and Jewish Studies
• Qumran Studies
• Religion and Education
• Religion and Health
• Religion and Politics
• Religion and Science
• Religion and Law
• Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
• Religious Studies
• Browse content in Society and Culture
• Cookery, Food, and Drink
• Cultural Studies
• Customs and Traditions
• Ethical Issues and Debates
• Hobbies, Games, Arts and Crafts
• Natural world, Country Life, and Pets
• Popular Beliefs and Controversial Knowledge
• Sports and Outdoor Recreation
• Technology and Society
• Travel and Holiday
• Visual Culture
• Browse content in Law
• Arbitration
• Browse content in Company and Commercial Law
• Commercial Law
• Company Law
• Browse content in Comparative Law
• Systems of Law
• Competition Law
• Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Government Powers
• Judicial Review
• Local Government Law
• Military and Defence Law
• Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
• Construction Law
• Contract Law
• Browse content in Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Evidence Law
• Sentencing and Punishment
• Employment and Labour Law
• Environment and Energy Law
• Browse content in Financial Law
• Banking Law
• Insolvency Law
• History of Law
• Human Rights and Immigration
• Intellectual Property Law
• Browse content in International Law
• Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
• Public International Law
• IT and Communications Law
• Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
• Law and Politics
• Law and Society
• Browse content in Legal System and Practice
• Courts and Procedure
• Legal Skills and Practice
• Legal System - Costs and Funding
• Primary Sources of Law
• Regulation of Legal Profession
• Medical and Healthcare Law
• Browse content in Policing
• Criminal Investigation and Detection
• Police and Security Services
• Police Procedure and Law
• Police Regional Planning
• Browse content in Property Law
• Personal Property Law
• Restitution
• Study and Revision
• Terrorism and National Security Law
• Browse content in Trusts Law
• Wills and Probate or Succession
• Browse content in Medicine and Health
• Browse content in Allied Health Professions
• Arts Therapies
• Clinical Science
• Dietetics and Nutrition
• Occupational Therapy
• Operating Department Practice
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Browse content in Anaesthetics
• General Anaesthesia
• Browse content in Clinical Medicine
• Acute Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Clinical Genetics
• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology and Diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• Genito-urinary Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Oncology
• Medical Toxicology
• Pain Medicine
• Palliative Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Sports and Exercise Medicine
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Community Medical Services
• Critical Care
• Emergency Medicine
• Forensic Medicine
• Haematology
• History of Medicine
• Browse content in Medical Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Paediatric Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
• Surgical Dentistry
• Medical Ethics
• Browse content in Medical Skills
• Clinical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Nursing Skills
• Surgical Skills
• Medical Statistics and Methodology
• Browse content in Neurology
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Neuropathology
• Nursing Studies
• Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Gynaecology
• Occupational Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Browse content in Paediatrics
• Neonatology
• Browse content in Pathology
• Chemical Pathology
• Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
• Histopathology
• Medical Microbiology and Virology
• Patient Education and Information
• Browse content in Pharmacology
• Psychopharmacology
• Browse content in Popular Health
• Caring for Others
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Self-help and Personal Development
• Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Reproduction, Growth and Development
• Primary Care
• Professional Development in Medicine
• Browse content in Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Learning Disabilities
• Old Age Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy
• Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Browse content in Radiology
• Clinical Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Browse content in Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Peri-operative Care
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Transplant Surgery
• Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Browse content in Science and Mathematics
• Browse content in Biological Sciences
• Aquatic Biology
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Microbiology
• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Natural History
• Plant Sciences and Forestry
• Research Methods in Life Sciences
• Structural Biology
• Systems Biology
• Zoology and Animal Sciences
• Browse content in Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Crystallography
• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Mineralogy and Gems
• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Study and Communication Skills in Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Browse content in Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture and Logic Design
• Game Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mathematical Theory of Computation
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Virtual Reality
• Browse content in Computing
• Business Applications
• Computer Security
• Computer Games
• Computer Networking and Communications
• Digital Lifestyle
• Graphical and Digital Media Applications
• Operating Systems
• Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Environmental Geography
• Geology and the Lithosphere
• Maps and Map-making
• Meteorology and Climatology
• Oceanography and Hydrology
• Palaeontology
• Physical Geography and Topography
• Regional Geography
• Soil Science
• Urban Geography
• Browse content in Engineering and Technology
• Agriculture and Farming
• Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
• Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Energy Technology
• Engineering (General)
• Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
• History of Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical Engineering and Materials
• Technology of Industrial Chemistry
• Transport Technology and Trades
• Browse content in Environmental Science
• Applied Ecology (Environmental Science)
• Conservation of the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Environmental Sustainability
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Environmental Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environmental Science)
• Nuclear Issues (Environmental Science)
• Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Environmental Science)
• History of Science and Technology
• Browse content in Materials Science
• Ceramics and Glasses
• Composite Materials
• Metals, Alloying, and Corrosion
• Nanotechnology
• Browse content in Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Biomathematics and Statistics
• History of Mathematics
• Mathematical Education
• Mathematical Finance
• Mathematical Analysis
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics
• Probability and Statistics
• Pure Mathematics
• Browse content in Neuroscience
• Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
• Development of the Nervous System
• Disorders of the Nervous System
• History of Neuroscience
• Invertebrate Neurobiology
• Molecular and Cellular Systems
• Neuroendocrinology and Autonomic Nervous System
• Neuroscientific Techniques
• Sensory and Motor Systems
• Browse content in Physics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Biological and Medical Physics
• Classical Mechanics
• Computational Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Electromagnetism, Optics, and Acoustics
• History of Physics
• Mathematical and Statistical Physics
• Measurement Science
• Nuclear Physics
• Particles and Fields
• Plasma Physics
• Quantum Physics
• Relativity and Gravitation
• Semiconductor and Mesoscopic Physics
• Browse content in Psychology
• Affective Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Criminal and Forensic Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Health Psychology
• History and Systems in Psychology
• Music Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Assessment and Testing
• Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction
• Psychology Professional Development and Training
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Browse content in Social Sciences
• Browse content in Anthropology
• Anthropology of Religion
• Human Evolution
• Medical Anthropology
• Physical Anthropology
• Regional Anthropology
• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Theory and Practice of Anthropology
• Browse content in Business and Management
• Business Strategy
• Business History
• Business Ethics
• Business and Government
• Business and Technology
• Business and the Environment
• Comparative Management
• Corporate Governance
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Entrepreneurship
• Health Management
• Human Resource Management
• Industrial and Employment Relations
• Industry Studies
• Information and Communication Technologies
• International Business
• Knowledge Management
• Management and Management Techniques
• Operations Management
• Organizational Theory and Behaviour
• Pensions and Pension Management
• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Social Issues in Business and Management
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Forms of Crime
• International and Comparative Criminology
• Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice
• Development Studies
• Browse content in Economics
• Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
• Asian Economics
• Behavioural Finance
• Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
• Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
• Economic Systems
• Economic Methodology
• Economic History
• Economic Development and Growth
• Financial Markets
• Financial Institutions and Services
• General Economics and Teaching
• Health, Education, and Welfare
• History of Economic Thought
• International Economics
• Labour and Demographic Economics
• Law and Economics
• Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
• Microeconomics
• Public Economics
• Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
• Welfare Economics
• Browse content in Education
• Adult Education and Continuous Learning
• Care and Counselling of Students
• Early Childhood and Elementary Education
• Educational Equipment and Technology
• Educational Strategies and Policy
• Higher and Further Education
• Organization and Management of Education
• Philosophy and Theory of Education
• Schools Studies
• Secondary Education
• Teaching of a Specific Subject
• Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
• Teaching Skills and Techniques
• Browse content in Environment
• Applied Ecology (Social Science)
• Climate Change
• Conservation of the Environment (Social Science)
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Social Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Social Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environment)
• Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Social Science)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Social Science)
• Sustainability
• Browse content in Human Geography
• Cultural Geography
• Economic Geography
• Political Geography
• Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Communication Studies
• Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
• Browse content in Politics
• African Politics
• Asian Politics
• Chinese Politics
• Comparative Politics
• Conflict Politics
• Elections and Electoral Studies
• Environmental Politics
• Ethnic Politics
• European Union
• Foreign Policy
• Gender and Politics
• Human Rights and Politics
• Indian Politics
• International Relations
• International Organization (Politics)
• Irish Politics
• Latin American Politics
• Middle Eastern Politics
• Political Methodology
• Political Communication
• Political Philosophy
• Political Sociology
• Political Theory
• Political Behaviour
• Political Economy
• Political Institutions
• Politics and Law
• Politics of Development
• Public Administration
• Public Policy
• Qualitative Political Methodology
• Quantitative Political Methodology
• Regional Political Studies
• Russian Politics
• Security Studies
• State and Local Government
• UK Politics
• US Politics
• Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
• African Studies
• Asian Studies
• East Asian Studies
• Japanese Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Native American Studies
• Scottish Studies
• Browse content in Research and Information
• Research Methods
• Browse content in Social Work
• Addictions and Substance Misuse
• Adoption and Fostering
• Care of the Elderly
• Child and Adolescent Social Work
• Couple and Family Social Work
• Direct Practice and Clinical Social Work
• Emergency Services
• Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
• International and Global Issues in Social Work
• Mental and Behavioural Health
• Social Justice and Human Rights
• Social Policy and Advocacy
• Social Work and Crime and Justice
• Social Work Macro Practice
• Social Work Practice Settings
• Social Work Research and Evidence-based Practice
• Welfare and Benefit Systems
• Browse content in Sociology
• Childhood Studies
• Community Development
• Comparative and Historical Sociology
• Disability Studies
• Economic Sociology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Gerontology and Ageing
• Health, Illness, and Medicine
• Marriage and the Family
• Migration Studies
• Occupations, Professions, and Work
• Organizations
• Population and Demography
• Race and Ethnicity
• Social Theory
• Social Movements and Social Change
• Social Research and Statistics
• Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
• Sociology of Religion
• Sociology of Education
• Sport and Leisure
• Urban and Rural Studies
• Browse content in Warfare and Defence
• Defence Strategy, Planning, and Research
• Land Forces and Warfare
• Military Administration
• Military Life and Institutions
• Naval Forces and Warfare
• Other Warfare and Defence Issues
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
• Weapons and Equipment

• < Previous chapter

ANNEX 1 How to write for public policy

• Published: March 2022
• Cite Icon Cite
• Permissions Icon Permissions

Personal account

• Sign in with email/username & password
• Get email alerts
• Save searches
• Purchase content
• Activate your purchase/trial code
• Add your ORCID iD

Institutional access

Sign in with a library card.

• Sign in with username/password
• Recommend to your librarian
• Institutional account management
• Get help with access

Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. If you are a member of an institution with an active account, you may be able to access content in one of the following ways:

IP based access

Typically, access is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses. This authentication occurs automatically, and it is not possible to sign out of an IP authenticated account.

Choose this option to get remote access when outside your institution. Shibboleth/Open Athens technology is used to provide single sign-on between your institution’s website and Oxford Academic.

• Click Sign in through your institution.
• Select your institution from the list provided, which will take you to your institution's website to sign in.
• When on the institution site, please use the credentials provided by your institution. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.
• Following successful sign in, you will be returned to Oxford Academic.

If your institution is not listed or you cannot sign in to your institution’s website, please contact your librarian or administrator.

Enter your library card number to sign in. If you cannot sign in, please contact your librarian.

Society Members

Society member access to a journal is achieved in one of the following ways:

Sign in through society site

Many societies offer single sign-on between the society website and Oxford Academic. If you see ‘Sign in through society site’ in the sign in pane within a journal:

• Click Sign in through society site.
• When on the society site, please use the credentials provided by that society. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.

If you do not have a society account or have forgotten your username or password, please contact your society.

Sign in using a personal account

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members. See below.

A personal account can be used to get email alerts, save searches, purchase content, and activate subscriptions.

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members.

Viewing your signed in accounts

Click the account icon in the top right to:

• View your signed in personal account and access account management features.
• View the institutional accounts that are providing access.

Signed in but can't access content

Oxford Academic is home to a wide variety of products. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access. If you believe you should have access to that content, please contact your librarian.

For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more.

Our books are available by subscription or purchase to libraries and institutions.

• About Oxford Academic
• Publish journals with us
• University press partners
• What we publish
• New features  
• Open access
• Rights and permissions
• Accessibility
• Advertising
• Media enquiries
• Oxford University Press
• Oxford Languages
• University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• Cookie settings
• Cookie policy
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Policy Proposal

Choosing your topic.

Select a topic that is:

• In your field. It should be a topic in the professional field you hope to enter. It should relate to the problem or need of society you identified in your response to Item 9 of the application.
• Controversial. Substantial debate exists on what to do and there is some legitimacy to the opposite side of the position which you are taking.
• Important. The proposal focuses on a problem that has significance to the US government, to a substantial segment of the population, to your state, to the environment, or to an international community.
• Not overwhelming. It is "small" enough to be presented on one page. If it is too large to handle well, break off a small piece. For example: While the health care problem is too large, various elements such as AIDS risk reduction, dealing with a specific disease, or prenatal care for economically disadvantaged women could be discussed.
• Interesting to you. You care about the topic and would like to learn more about it.
• Intellectually approachable for you. You should be able to get a good understanding of the problem including a reasonable grasp of why the problem exists and has not been solved . . . and of the difficulties in implementing the solution you recommend.   The nature of the problem has been well-documented and statistical data and current references are available.   You can find current substantive references as well as regular press to help you make the case.
• Tractable. You can come up with a specific plan to present and to defend at a Truman interview. You might even be able to pose a fresh approach.

Writing the Policy Proposal

Be sure to:

• Address it to the governmental official who has the most authority to deal with this issue. If you write to the chair of a legislative committee, verify that the committee has the jurisdiction to do what you propose. Be careful about addressing it to the President. Generally, a cabinet officer or a chair of a Congressional committee will be more likely to have direct authority over an issue than the President.   A Note About Presidential Transitions:   We recognize that during a period of transition, you may not know to whom to address your proposal prior to the deadline.  Your options are either to address your proposal to whomever currently holds the post and provide a date of your proposal (ex: Secretary John King, November 2016) or address it generically (ex:  Incoming Deputy Secretary of the Interior Overseeing Water Policy).  You will be expected to be current  both on the person holding this position as well as their likely views on your proposal should you be selected for interview.
• Use statistical data to define the problem.   Choose your sources carefully.   Choose persuasive data to explain your position.   If you rely on data from the internet, be certain that it is credible. List only those sources that you used heavily. A laundry list of citations and footnotes will not be considered.
• We do not care which citation format you use so long as it is understandable.
• Make your recommendations specific, clear, and understandable. You wouldn't want the intended recipient to say, "So what exactly am I supposed to do?"
• Handle obstacles fairly.   Don't just cite a lack of funding or votes; capture briefly the legitimacy of the opposition.
• The proposal should be written in a professional, but not academic, style. Imagine that your proposal is being read by government employee or congressional staff member who has limited time but at least a surface understanding of your problem.
• Your policy proposal should be approximately 500 words, exclusive of citations. The on-line application also includes an equivalent character limit, but there is some variation depending on the length of the words used. Regardless, the policy proposal should be edited carefully to ensure the writing is concise.

• View sidebar

A Political Science Guide

For students, researchers, and others interested in doing the work of political science.

Policy Paper

What is a policy paper.

Policy papers are different from the standard research papers in several respects:

• They are usually addressed at a non-academic audience , such as a particular official, agency, or organization
• They often focus on prescriptive questions. They may begin by diagnosing a particular issue or situation, and typically argue for a solution that will address that issue or situation
• Often, policy papers are focused on being persuasive . The intention is to convince the target audience that your position is the correct one.
• Evidence in support of a position is crucial. This is also important for research papers, but it tends to be absolutely critical in policy papers.
• Policy papers are written efficiently. The audience often does not have much time and does not want to read a book on the subject. Indeed, often policy papers are accompanied by policy briefs which summarize the papers in a page or less.

Policy Paper Components

As with research papers, there is not just one way to write a policy paper.The University of Texas has a nice website with a detailed model, “Suggestions for Writing Policy Analysis” .

The basic elements of a policy paper include:

• It is helpful to careful define the problem and frame it as a specific question to be answered.
• These are the choices for addressing the policy problem.
• This is the step that often is missed in policy analysis. Writers often fail to be explicit and may even assume that everyone shares the same ideas of what the criteria for making a choice should be. This is a mistake. Indeed, it is an important service to the reader (and to the decision-maker) to know the reasons for recommending one policy (or set of policies) over others. There often is major debate about criteria that should be used.
•   In his book, A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis , Eurgene Bardach helpfully notes that such criteria are best thought of as applied to “the projected outcomes ” of a policy choice. He makes the useful distinction between evaluative criteria, such as efficiency and fairness, and practical criteria, such as legality and political acceptability.
• Ideally, the policy recommendation should flow from the logical application of your criteria to your policy choices. This is illustrated in the hypothetical example (see table) below.
• In this example, the researcher was able to make clear outcomes about how the policy choices met some criteria (Policy Choice A fails to meet the first criteria of legality). However, it there is some uncertainty about others. For instance, it is unclear how Policy Choice B would affect the criteria of inclusiveness, or how to judge the cost effectiveness of Policy Choice C. In the real world, we may need to incorporate such uncertainty into our policy judgments. But it is important for the policy analyst to be clear to readers and decision-makers where that uncertainty exists.
• Another thing to note is that not all criteria are equal. It may be useful to rank the importance of criteria. Many of us would likely consider legality a necessary criterion. This would allow us to immediately remove Policy Choice A from our list of choices without any further consideration.

Policy Paper Examples

• Peterson Institute for International Economics. “Policy Briefs”
• UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy. “Working Paper Series.”
• Many articles in the journal Foreign Affairs are policy papers.
• Oxfam International. “Policy & Research.”
• Bardach, Eugene and Eric M. Patashnik. 2015. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving. CQ Press.
• Eóin Young and Lisa Quinn. “Writing Effective Policy Papers: A guide for policy advisers in Central and Eastern Europe.” Open Society Institute .
• “The Policy Analysis Process”, Professor Michelle A. Saint-Germain (CSULB)
• Overseas Development Institute. “Writing Policy Papers.”
• UN Food and Agriculture Organization. “Writing Effective Reports, Section 4: Preparing Policy Briefs”
• “How to inform policy makers in a briefing memo or opinion”
• “Tasks for writing briefing memos or opinions”
• Checklists for communicating the policy process

updated July 12, 2017 – MN

Share this:

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Public Policies Essay Examples and Topics

“our blind spot about guns” by nicholas kristof, youth unemployment and policy solutions.

• Words: 1124

Process Philosophy’s Impact on Marriage and Education

Public administration as an academic discipline.

• Words: 1450

Public Administration: Functions, Problems, and Educational Requirements

• Words: 2190

Safety in the Modern World

Public administration and private business.

• Words: 2822

Public Policy: The Stages Model and Its Flexibility

Public administration in the united states.

• Words: 3560

Centralization and Decentralization

Australian social policy and child protection.

• Words: 1505

Can displacement of a few be justified for development benefitting many?

• Words: 5796

Traditional and Modern Media Effects on Political Communication

Whether a college degree should be mandatory for police recruits.

• Words: 4427

“Implementation” by Pressman and Wildavsky

Public policy and national service in the uae.

• Words: 5069

Public Policy Formulation and Analysis in UAE

• Words: 3875

Public Administration Officers

The u.s and japanese ideas of policing.

• Words: 1388

Political Cartoons and the Right to Privacy

• Words: 1389

Public Administration

Freight transportation: the us public policy, african democracy: the role of structural factors and policy, the aids crisis and the usa government response in the 1980s.

• Words: 1130

Turkey: Political Environment

Would the u.s. be a better country if more people voted.

• Words: 1356

Health and Human Services Equity Action Plan for the Black Community

Angola’s institutions and the resource curse, letter to the prime minister on canada’s food policy.

• Words: 1650

Executive Remuneration in the UK vs. Germany

Political party systems: a summary of an encyclopedia article, prostitution legalization: policy analysis, “social cash transfer in turkey” by ark-yildirim, c., & smyrl, m..

• Words: 1125

Creating Federal Reserve’s Balance Sheet Policies

Developing a successful macro policy, texas abortion ban as current political topic, community-oriented policing program, government should forgive student loan debt, focus on domestic public policy, physical and cultural genocide policy toward native americans, stakeholder analysis: polar geography, reaction to policy paradox and handbook of practical program evaluation.

• Words: 1122

The Jones Act’s Impact on Puerto Rico

The covid-19 pandemic public policies in the us, politics of cheap: bryant simon’s the hamlet fire, redlining in america and its effects on social life, position statement: scarcity & property rights, mass murder reduction in georgia, radical republicans’ assumptions towards the south, researching of political campaign, discussion: law enforcement and respect, discussion: management of gun regulations, morabito’s article on state of education in america, effects of lobbying on regulatory scrutiny.

• Words: 3403

Presidential Role in ‘CHIPS for America’ Bill

Law: policy modification and incrementalism, abortion backlash and leadership issues.

• Words: 2025

Implications of Domestic Politics on Human Security in Uganda

• Words: 7298

Health Policy Formulation and Agenda Setting

Paid family leave policy analysis.

• Words: 1115

Role of Abortion Policies Discussion

Texas utilities lobbying campaign in 2007, obamacare: political, social, and economic factors, public policy handbill analysis: the clean air act, the problem of obesity: the us food policies.

• Words: 2236

Anti-Drink Driving Intervention Plan

• Words: 1233

The US Congress Inadequate Economic Policy

New health care transparency requirements: policy health brief, south sudan: political changes, barack obama policies in healthcare: ethical and unethical behavior, the effectiveness of the video format of the privacy policy agreement, the advantages of the speed limits approach, policy connections: health policies, legislation, regulations, finance, and practice.

• Words: 2530

P-Plan Proposal: Youth, Adult and Elderly Abuse

Revitalizing the speed limits debate: ticket is better than casket, transportation policy in the uk, urban political machines.

• Words: 1664

Education as Controversial Issue in Florida Politics

Foreign newborns and citizenship: rogerian argument.

• Words: 2262

Texans Against Guns’ Problem

Gulf cooperation council: mobility related constraints, unemployment rate and covid-19 in egypt, the uae, and bahrain, the value of life during covid-19, democracy, political power, and public policy issues.

• Words: 1692

Leadership in the Conditions of COVID-19

• Words: 1751

Ministry of Non-Conventional Security Threats in the UAE

Gun buyback program, germany – covid-19 outbreak overview, health reform influences the poor, immigrants, and african americans, public policy: wage dilemma, gun control debate: problem analysis and studies.

• Words: 1640

Youth Empowerment in the UAE

The role of canada in peacekeeping and its image, city politics: urban sprawl, minimum income should be mandatory.

• Words: 1385

Analysis of Speech by Senator Robert Byrd

Impact evaluation and public sector programs in india, emiratisation programs: statistical data.

• Words: 1114

Should Canadian Government Legalize Prostitution?

• Words: 1160

Policy Analysis in the California State

U.s. drone policy: votes for and against, labor trafficking in the united arab emirates, same-sex marriage policy & social impact reflection, information of unocha overview and analysis.

• Words: 1030

Analyzing Implications of Two Political Articles

Gun control policies: pros and cons.

• Words: 1100

Marijuana: Legislative History and Future

Crude world: the violent twilight of oil, public policies: regulating business, intergovernmental relations and ocean policy change, market exit strategies: ipos and m&a.

• Words: 4120

Public Opinion About American Politics

Future of canadian politics and global governance.

• Words: 1600

China’s Political Landscape: Post-Mao Reforms

The great american jobs scam, us healthcare debate: social and liberal analysis.

• Words: 1091

Obama’s Deal: The Problem of Healthcare Reform

• Words: 1717

Key Elements in Ronald Reagan Domestic Policy

Community policing as a tool against crime, youth wages in australia and their advantages.

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

• Basic site functions
• Ensuring secure, safe transactions
• Secure account login
• Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
• Remembering privacy and security settings
• Analyzing site traffic and usage
• Personalized search, content, and recommendations
• Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

• Remembering general and regional preferences
• Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

• Undergraduate
• High School
• Architecture
• American History
• Asian History
• Antique Literature
• American Literature
• Asian Literature
• Classic English Literature
• World Literature
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Criminal Justice
• Legal Issues
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Political Science
• World Affairs
• African-American Studies
• East European Studies
• Latin-American Studies
• Native-American Studies
• West European Studies
• Family and Consumer Science
• Social Issues
• Women and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Natural Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Earth science
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Studies
• Computer Science
• IT Management
• Mathematics
• Investments
• Engineering and Technology
• Engineering
• Aeronautics
• Medicine and Health
• Alternative Medicine
• Communications and Media
• Advertising
• Communication Strategies
• Public Relations
• Educational Theories
• Teacher's Career
• Chicago/Turabian
• Company Analysis
• Education Theories
• Shakespeare
• Canadian Studies
• Food Safety
• Relation of Global Warming and Extreme Weather Condition
• Movie Review
• Admission Essay
• Annotated Bibliography
• Application Essay
• Article Critique
• Article Review
• Article Writing
• Book Review
• Business Plan
• Business Proposal
• Capstone Project
• Cover Letter
• Creative Essay
• Dissertation
• Dissertation - Abstract
• Dissertation - Conclusion
• Dissertation - Discussion
• Dissertation - Hypothesis
• Dissertation - Introduction
• Dissertation - Literature
• Dissertation - Methodology
• Dissertation - Results
• GCSE Coursework
• Grant Proposal
• Marketing Plan
• Multiple Choice Quiz
• Personal Statement
• Power Point Presentation
• Power Point Presentation With Speaker Notes
• Questionnaire
• Reaction Paper

Research Paper

• Research Proposal
• SWOT analysis
• Thesis Paper
• Online Quiz
• Literature Review
• Movie Analysis
• Statistics problem
• Math Problem
• All papers examples
• How It Works
• Money Back Policy
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• We Are Hiring

Public Policy Making / Formulation, Essay Example

Pages: 1

Words: 307

Hire a Writer for Custom Essay

Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇

You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

Public policy making has a political nature thus involving many people. Therefore, the formation of public policy is difficult and tiresome. In this regard, the simplified descriptions called “models,” which represent the complex real world activities are made. These descriptions were created to highlight the political issues, public problems, and confusing, or obscure events. The models form the agenda of discussion where problems identified. The model identifies the role played by opponents, and at this point, the following things happen:

• The opposition party emerges
• There is formation of a counter opinion, or counter proposal,
• Authorities identified,
• Presentation of counterproposals,
• There is expansion of the opposition,
• The proposal presented.

Upon completion of the above procedures, the policy formulation process comes to the final stages. Here, there is decision-making, implementation, and evaluation of the public policy (Ogden 86).

• Authoritative decisions: this is where a public problem has reached a formal agenda. The government authorities discuss and make final decisions to adopt the advocate’s proposal, or to reject it. If no action is taken, then they preserve the status quo.
• Implementation of the public policy: This is made after the government makes the final decision regarding the new policy. New regulations are adopted with respect to the enforcement of new procedures.
• Evaluation of the policy: this happens after the policy has taken charge. In this case, the advocates, opponents, and other interested parties examine the consequences brought up by the newly implemented policy. The citizen reactions observed upon the implementation, or rather data regarding the policy collected and analyzed to come up with a conclusion. If there is a problem, the stages of policy formulation start again and if there is no problem, then the policy are turned into law.

Works Cited

Ogden, Drake. How National Policy Is Made: Increasing Understanding of Public Problems and Policies. Oakbrook, Illinois: Farm Foundation, 2001.

Oakley, Maureen and Rodriguez, Ezra . Policy Studies , 26 (2), (2005): pp 211-227.

Stuck with your Essay?

Get in touch with one of our experts for instant help!

Video Games and Child and Youth Aggression, Research Paper Example

Radiologic Technologist & Sonographer, Essay Example

Time is precious

don’t waste it!

Plagiarism-free guarantee

Privacy guarantee

Secure checkout

Money back guarantee

Related Essay Samples & Examples

Relatives, essay example.

Words: 364

Voting as a Civic Responsibility, Essay Example

Words: 287

Utilitarianism and Its Applications, Essay Example

Words: 356

The Age-Related Changes of the Older Person, Essay Example

Pages: 2

Words: 448

The Problems ESOL Teachers Face, Essay Example

Pages: 8

Words: 2293

Should English Be the Primary Language? Essay Example

Pages: 4

Words: 999

The video above is decorative and not illustrative.

Policy Topics

• Democracy & Governance
• Public Leadership & Management

How to discuss controversial issues constructively and productively

A new, innovative HKS teaching module uses behavioral research to give future leaders the tools necessary to have civil disagreements.

• Environment & Energy

Wolfram Schlenker: Bridging disciplines to understand the interplay between a changing climate, food, and economics.

• Social Policy
• Poverty, Inequality & Opportunity

Changes in children’s social environments have increased class gaps and reduced racial gaps in economic mobility

Dustin Tingley: Using data and careful thinking to tackle big issues and drive large-scale impact

County-level enrollment in medicare advantage plans offering expanded supplemental benefits.

Importance: Since 2019 and 2020, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have been able to offer supplemental benefits that address long-term services and supports (LTSS) and social determinants of health (SDOH

• International Relations & Security

The Questions Harris and Trump Still Need to Be Asked

A cheat sheet for the journalists covering the U.S. presidential campaign.

Review of Building a Nation at War: Transnational Knowledge Networks and the Development of China during and after World War II

During the Second World War, China was stretched to its utmost as it sought to resist the Japanese invasion: troops, resources, and government were all made to carry loads that they were never meant t

In International Politics, Be Careful What You Wish for

German reunification is the latest Western triumph that's starting to pose major political problems.

Watch & Listen

• Gender, Race & Identity

Changing the narrative on women’s leadership

As Vice President Kamala Harris makes a strong bid for the U.S. presidency, Hannah Riley Bowles says Harris is just one of many “path breakers” who have dramatically increased leadership opportunities for women.

• Human Rights & Justice
• Globalization

Moral Universalism, Interventionism, and Human Rights as Politics

• Science, Technology & Data
• Business & Regulation

Bruce Schneier’s “A Hacker’s Mind”

• Human Rights
• Advocacy & Social Movements

A New Theory of Systemic Police Terrorism

Get smart & reliable public policy insights right in your inbox. 

• Log In Username Enter your ACP Online username. Password Enter the password that accompanies your username. Remember me Forget your username or password ?
• Privacy Policy
• Career Connection
• Member Forums

© Copyright 2024 American College of Physicians, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 190 North Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106-1572 800-ACP-1915 (800-227-1915) or 215-351-2600

If you are unable to login, please try clearing your cookies . We apologize for the inconvenience.

Current Public Policy Papers

ACP public policy papers summarize and dissect published research and discussion on current issues involving clinical practice, medical education, bioethics, and health care financing and delivery, and make specific recommendations for internal medicine physicians, patients, and policy makers. Read about ACP's public policy development process .

Learn more about where ACP stands on important and timely issues:

Racial Health Disparities, Prejudice and Violence

Health care reform/access, payment/delivery system reform, health information technology, medicare and medicaid, controlling costs, improving effectiveness, prescription drugs and public health related topics, workforce and physician shortage, coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19), acp policy compendium, updated july 2024.

Download an up-to-date summary of ACP's policy positions. 

^ Back to Top

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, Queer and Other Sexual and Gender Minority Health Disparities (June 2024)
• The Integration of Care for Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Other Behavioral Health Conditions into Primary Care (August 2015)
• Full Paper   
• Assessing the Patient Care Implications of "Concierge" and Other Direct Patient Contracting Practices (November 2015)
• Retail Health Clinics (October 2015)
• Artificial Intelligence in the Provision of Health Care (June 2024)
• Health Information Privacy, Protection, and Use in the Expanding Digital Health Ecosystem (April 2021)
• Policy Recommendations to Guide the Use of Telemedicine in Primary Care Settings (September 2015)
• Clinical Documentation in the 21st Century (January 2015)
• Full Paper and Issue Brief  
• Full Paper  
• Appendix 1: Playbook
• Principles Supporting Dynamic Clinical Care Teams (September 2013)
• Full Paper and Issue Brief

All rights reserved. Individuals may reproduce all or parts of Public Policy Papers for educational, not-for-profit uses. These papers may not be reproduced for commercial, for-profit use in any form, by any means (electronic, mechanical, xerographic, or other) or held in any information storage or retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher.

For questions about the content of Public Policy Papers, please contact the ACP Division of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy , 25 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001-7401. 202-261-4500. To order copies of position papers, please contact us .

Project 2025 doesn’t propose reinstating draft for public school seniors | Fact check

The claim: Project 2025 proposes military draft for all public school seniors with two-year commitment

A Sept. 16 Facebook post ( direct link , archive link ) claims the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 proposes instituting a military draft for certain students.

“Project 2025 opens up the draft to all public school seniors for a 2 year commitment,” reads the post. “Private school kids are exempted.”

It was shared more than 11,000 times in nine days.

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: False

No such policy proposal appears in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 document, and a spokesperson said the claim is false.  

Project 2025 includes reforms meant to spur recruitment, but no draft

The Heritage Foundation , a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C., worked with over 100 other conservative groups for Project 2025, also known as the Presidential Transition Project. The result was a nearly 900-page document with policy proposals for the next Republican president that adhere to the organization’s goal of rescuing "the country from the grip of the radical Left.”

But it doesn’t include a proposal to begin drafting all public school seniors into the military. The claim is “entirely false and ridiculous,” Ellen Keenan , a Heritage Foundation spokesperson, told USA TODAY.

“We do not call for the reinstatement of the draft anywhere in Project 2025,” Keenan said.

There is one mention of the draft in the document, but it’s a historical reference and not a proposal for a future draft. It appears on Page 109 and reads, “The Army no longer reflects national demographics to the degree that it did before 1974 when the draft was eliminated.”

Fact check : Project 2025 is an effort by the Heritage Foundation, not Donald Trump

A list of proposed reforms meant to improve military recruitment includes one that would require all students at federally funded schools to complete the military’s entrance exam . But it wouldn’t force them to enlist or involve a draft.

There hasn’t been a draft in the U.S. since Jan. 27, 1973, when the Paris Peace Accords were signed, ending the Vietnam War. The Selective Service announced an end to the draft that same day. To bring back the draft, Congress would need to amend the Military Selective Service Act to allow the president to induct people into the military, according to the Selective Service System .

USA TODAY has previously debunked other false claims about the draft, including that the U.S. reinstituted a draft for the Israel-Hamas war , that women are required to register for the draft and that a bill required men ages 18 to 26 to join the military .

USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Snopes also debunked the claim.

Our fact-check sources:

• Ellen Keenan , Sept. 25, Email exchange with USA TODAY
• Project 2025, accessed Sept. 26, Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise
• Selective Service System, accessed Sept. 26, Return to the Draft

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here .

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .