Description
Book SynopsisThe first introductory public policy text with a strong economics perspective.
Trade Review"By far the best textbook for a course in undergraduate public policy. I have been looking for a text that really incorporates economics into the study of public policy. One cannot truly understand the politics behind policy, and how to analyze policies, without having a basic background in economics, especially microeconomics…Each chapter is beautifully written… I am looking forward to using this text." -- Daniel Scheller, The Florida State University
"Wheelan’s new text is indeed one of the most fluidly written, engaging, sometimes jaunty and sometimes challenging books on the subject. My students will see many topics come alive with this analytical yet unpretentious treatment of public policy principles. The author draws the students into the questions and then turns them toward economics and public-policy analysis concepts." -- Gregory Gleason, The University of New Mexico
"Wheelan’s new text is indeed one of the most fluidly written, engaging, sometimes jaunty and sometimes challenging books on the subject. My students will see many topics come alive with this analytical yet unpretentious treatment of public policy principles. The author draws the students into the questions and then turns them toward economics and public-policy analysis concepts." -- Michael Hammig, Clemson University
Table of ContentsSection I: What Is Public Policy? Chapter 1: Public Decision Making Chapter 2: Why Is It So Hard to Make the World a Better Place? Section II: Why We Do What We Do Chapter 3: Understanding Individual Behavior: Rational Man and Woman Chapter 4: Understanding Group Behavior: Collective Action Chapter 5: Evaluating Social Welfare Section III: Markets and Government Chapter 6: The Political Process Chapter 7: The Market System Chapter 8: The Role of Government Section IV: Tools for Analysis Chapter 9: Gathering and Measuring Information Chapter 10: Basic Data Analysis Chapter 11: Introduction to Regression Analysis Chapter 12: Benefit-Cost Analysis Chapter 13: Program Evaluation Section V: Making Policy Chapter 14: The Role of Institutions Chapter 15: Policy Design
