The Art of Policymaking
Tools, Techniques, and Processes in the Modern Executive Branch

Third Edition

George E. Shambaugh IV - Georgetown University, USA
Paul J. Weinstein Jr. - Johns Hopkins University, USA

Other Titles in:
Policy Analysis | Public Policy & Public Administration

August 2024 | 312 pages | CQ Press

The Art of Policymaking is the only book designed to provide students and practitioners with a detailed explanation of the specific tools, techniques, and processes used to create policy in the U.S., as well as the tools they need to understand them. The book includes practical advice on how to write memos, prepare polling questions, and navigate the clearance process. Case studies show how actual policies were developed and how and why policies and processes differed across administrations. And scenarios allow students to practice the tools and techniques they have learned by working through both domestic and foreign policy situations. Written by two experts in the field with experience in both academia and government, The Art of Policymaking is the perfect how-to guide for students and professionals.

Chapter 1: Why the Policymaking Process Matters

Preparing for the Unexpected

Situating the Tools, Techniques, and Processes in the Existing Literature

Promoting Presidential Leadership and Management Through the Policymaking Process

The Importance of Procedural Legitimacy in Building Policy Support

Conclusion

PART I. THE POLICYMAKERS

Chapter 2: The White House Policy Councils

The Policy Councils and the Structure of the Executive Branch

How the Policy Councils Operate and Why They Are Important

The White House Policy Councils

Key Agencies Within the Executive Office of the President

Conclusion

Chapter 3: The White House Staff

Working on the White House Staff

Key Players in the White House

Interaction With the Media

White House Gatekeepers

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Agencies and Policy Implementation

Executive Agencies and Departments and Executive Branch Policymaking

The Role of Agencies

Implementing Policy Decisions

Conclusion

Chapter 5: Policy Management

Policy Management and Procedural Legitimacy

Models of Policy Management

Policy Czars and War Rooms

Conclusion

PART II. TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Chapter 6: Policymaking Memoranda

Tools of the Trade

The Role of the Memorandum

The Decision-Making Memorandum

The Information Memorandum

The Weekly Report

Conclusion

Chapter 7: Policy Implementation Tools

Implementation Tools

Authorization Tools

Recommending the Right Policy Tool

Conclusion

Chapter 8: The State of the Union and the Budget Process

Timing Your Swing: Understanding Internal Workflows in the Executive Branch

State of the Union

The Budget

Tools of Policy Analysis

Conclusion

Chapter 9: Legislative Clearance and Coordination: SAPs, LRMs, and Other Policy Acronyms

Legislative Clearance and Coordination

Legislative Responsibility in the Executive Branch

The Clearance Process

Clearance of Agency Testimony and Reports on Pending Legislation

Conclusion

Chapter 10: Polling and the Policymaking Process

Polling and Policymaking: Myths and Realities

Polling Basics

Rebuttals to Common Criticisms

Conclusion

Chapter 11: Communicating and Marketing Policy

The Importance of Communicating and Marketing Policy

Speechwriting

Communications

Press Office

Conclusion

PART III. CASE STUDIES

Chapter 12: Social Policymaking: Welfare Reform During the Clinton Administration

Welfare Reform and the Political Process

The Early Phase: Decentralization, Debate, and Deadlock

Phase II: Action, Response, and Resolution

Conclusion: Making the Process Work

Chapter 13: Economic Policymaking I: The Clinton Economic Plan

The Economic Plan and the Political Process

Phase I: The Economic Plan and the NEC

Establishing the Management Role of the NEC

The NEC Process

Communicating and Marketing the Economic Plan

Securing Passage of the Bill

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

Chapter 14: Economic Policymaking II: The Simpson-Bowles Commission Under President Obama

Introduction

Using the Process to Overcome a Stacked Deck

Representative Membership

Outreach

Assigning Accountability and Putting Issues on the Table

The Outcome

Conclusions and Lessons for the Policymaking Process

Chapter 15: Security Policymaking I: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Under George H. W. Bush

Security Crises and the Political Process

Responding to the Crisis

The Initial Response

Containment and the Decision to Double U.S. Ground Forces

Conclusion

Chapter 16: Security Policymaking II: The Surge and Iraq War Under George W. Bush

Changing Policy

The Unpredictability of Being an Honest Broker

Sparking Debate and Incubating Ideas

Breaking Some China

Presenting New Ideas

Promoting the President’s Agenda

Conclusion

Chapter 17: Congress and the Executive Branch: Yemen Policy during the Trump and Biden Administrations

Congress and the Executive Branch

Using Hearings to Educate Members of Congress

Using Hearings to Educate the Executive Branch

Lack of Deference Incenses Congress

Executive-Congressional Convergence

Conclusion

PART IV. SCENARIOS

Chapter 18: Practice Scenarios

Practice Scenarios

Glossary

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Tools, Techniques, and Processes in the Modern Executive Branch

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