Identify and describe three factors which influence the environment of U.S. public policymaking. Explain the effect of these environmental factors.

What will be an ideal response?

Students can identify and describe conservatism, participation, pragmatism, U.S. wealth, diversity, and world leadership. Policy is not constructed in a vacuum; it is the result of the integration of all the background factors with the desires and decisions of those who make policy. Policy emerges from the interaction of a large number of forces, many of which are beyond the control of the decision-makers. U.S. is relatively conservative in policy terms with a political culture characterized by a belief in limited government. Though professing conservative ideals generally, Americans tend to support specific, individual programs (Free and Cantril). Budget deficits are a function of this dichotomy. Challenges to effective participation include the large and decentralized political system; the reported lack of sufficient information needed for citizens to participate; and resulting low rates of participation. Policy increasingly requires avenue of citizen participation. Pragmatism focuses on the notion that decision-makers should focus on “what works” rather than ideology. Pragmatism seems to be fading in the American political environment in favor of more ideological thinking. The wealth of the United States affects its ability to provide government services. Threats to this wealth may limit the ability of policymakers to offer services. Diversity of income, wealth, race, ethnicity, and languages provides particular challenges in developing policies that are satisfactory to the citizenry. American policymakers cannot concentrate on a single class or social group but must provide something for everyone if the interests of the society as a whole are to be served. The U.S. role as an economic, political, and military world leader puts burdens on policymakers to exercise world influence. In addition, U.S. policy impacts are not contained within its borders but have worldwide effects.