The Role of Government in Policy Making
Shari L Hess
HSM/240
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Lori H Moon
The Role of Government in Policy Making
The legislative branch of the government deals with issues or concerns that a group of citizens have in common. The citizens have a series of steps that have to be followed in order for their concerns to be addressed. Their issues can be financial, corporate, moral grounds for or against civil rights of minorities, discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation, and so on (Chambers & Wedel, 2005). The Judicial branch of the government restricts or limits the power of government officials in regards to past court decisions, government principles, and the constitutional rights of citizens (Chambers & Wedel, 2005).
In the legislative branch of government, there are eight steps that citizens have to take in order for their issues to be addressed. They are as follows:
a. Define the issue clearly. State exactly what it is the group wants. This is important to receive legislative and public support.
b. Write a paper listing the pros and cons of the issue. Also, summarize what is known or unknown about the issue.
c. Create solutions for the social problem. Seek experts for advice.
d. Organize public support for the issue. It stands to reason that the more supporters the group has for the issue, the more attention the legislation will give the issue.
e. Convince a legislator to “sign on” the bill. A signature from a legislator will ensure the bill moves forward. The support of other legislators can ensure the bill gets forwarded to the appropriate committee for review. Otherwise it will end up in a “graveyard” and the process will begin all over again.
f. Organize appearances at the appropriate committee hearing. This is so the committee can see how much public support is for or against the bill. This is the important part of the process. This meeting determines if the bill moves...