ADM 634 Grand Canyon University Stages of Public Policy Making Discussion Using the public policy that you chose in Topic 1 and outlined in Topic 4, create

ADM 634 Grand Canyon University Stages of Public Policy Making Discussion Using the public policy that you chose in Topic 1 and outlined in Topic 4, create a paper to discuss the following criteria applying the six stages of public policy making. In 1,750-2,000 words, do the following:

Describe the public policy and the agenda setting, including why this policy was created (policy strategy) and explain how and why your policy was adopted.
Explain how the policy was implemented and identify the target group the policy was intended for.
Describe different contexts that drive the public policy and if government has been involved in any way.
Evaluate the impact of the policy and suggest changes or make recommendations for improving the policy.
Correctly identify and discuss any public relations techniques that were used to promote this public policy.
Describe the forces and dynamics at play in the policy formulation, adoption, and implementation process. Which forces and dynamics were most significant in the formation of the policy?

Use five to eight scholarly resources to support your explanations.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

Benchmark Information:

This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:

Masters in Public Administration

4.5: Describe the forces and dynamics impacting the policy formulation, adoption, and implementation process. David G Medina Ortiz
June 24, 2020
Working outline:
1. Introduction
The goal of this section will be to provide some context about the topic and briefly elaborate
on the unique complexity of the issue of healthcare as a public policy issue (Davis et al,
2011). The paper will focus on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as
part of the larger discussion and debate over public policy concerning healthcare. Thesis:
Despite sustained public pressure from interested lobbyist groups, primarily those
associated with those advocating for conservative positions in the minimal role of the U.S.
government on healthcare, the ACA was enacted as law and shifted the relevance and
position of healthcare in society so that the U.S. government played a much more
prominent role in the regulation and implementation of healthcare standards which led to
a decrease in the number of U.S. citizens without health insurance
2. Explaining the Need for the ACA
This section will discuss the primary beneficiaries of the ACA. As described by Dolan and
Mokhtari (2010), there is a clear market failure where a significant portion of the U.S.
population remains uninsured. They are the key beneficiary of this policy and different
groups relevant to the Obama Administration drove the development of the policy, along
with Congress that was controlled by the Democratic Party. Another key beneficiary group
is young adults who could remain on their parent’s health care plans (Sommers et al, 2013).
This section will discuss the key beneficiaries of the policy, how the debate over the ACA
was framed, and how different groups were involved in discussing the ACA.
3. How the Policy Was Promoted?
Discussing how the Democratic Party and the Obama Administration attempted to frame
the issue as a public option of healthcare that would provide more competition for existing
private medical insurance companies.
4. Discussing Means of Improvement
It is important to note that healthcare remains a very contentious topic in the US and it is
difficult to make any meaningful change when many groups are entrenched within existing
policy positions (Davis et al, 2011). Methods of improvement could be focused on ensuring
that even a larger segment of the population has a plan and is covered by existing insurance.
Another way to improve it is through Medicare For All which would be a fully-developed
public healthcare option.
5. Conclusion
Reiterate all of the key points and emphasize evidence that supports the thesis, particularly
a decrease in the number of uninsured people in the aftermath of the implementation of the
ACA.
References
Davis, K. Abrams, M. & K. Stremikis. (2011). How the Affordable Care Act will strengthen the
nation’s primary care foundation. Journal of General Internal Medicine 26: 1201.
Dolan, E.M. & M.M. Mokhtari. (2010). The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA):
Pros and Cons. Journal of Family and Economic Issues 34: 1-2.
Sommers, B.D. T. Buchmueller. S.L. Decker. Carey, C. & R. Kronick. (2013). The Affordable
Care Act Has Led To Significant Gains In Health Insurance And Access To Care For Young
Adults. Health Affairs 32(1): https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2012.0552.
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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Gun Control Policy
David G Medina Ortiz
ADM 634 – Policy Studies
Grand Canyon University
06/03/2020
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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Gun Control Policy
Governments, organizations and other international bodies have various ways through
which they develop and achieve their agenda. For instance, every nation has got a system of
power and administration with multiple goals that need to be completed. Among the many issues
that governments and organizations try to solve are healthcare problems, economic development,
prevention of corruption, sound justice systems, as well as climate change. In trying to achieve
their agenda and set goals for the citizens, governments and other governance institutions adopt a
set of guidelines and regulations in various sectors. These are referred to as policies. Policies can
be described as a set of instructions, rules, regulations, programs, or case studies adopted by
institutions of governance to provide a basis for decision making at various levels (Blomberg et
al., 2016). Three major types of policies exist; restrictive, regulatory, and facilitating. This paper
provides an in-depth analysis of one policy in the United States, the criminal justice policy, more
emphasis being on gun control.
Criminal Justice Policy and Agenda Setting
The US criminal justice policy is a set of guidelines and regulations that provides a basis
on which the law and justice systems make informed decisions. The policy seeks to provide a
platform where all the citizens are aware of the rules and regulations that govern their lifestyle,
issues that are considered as offences, and their fate in the event of criminal acts (Blomberg et
al., 2016). Criminal justice policies are crucial, especially in situations where high discretion
levels are required. Agenda setting is a term used to describe the ability the media to influence
the importance of a particular issue of public interest (Blomberg et al., 2016). Through agenda
setting, policies become easier to understand from a general point of view. Agenda setting is of
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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great importance in the implementation of criminal justice policies; it helps in providing crucial
information to the masses regarding the various developments in the criminal justice structure.
The criminal justice system is mandated to oversee law and order in society. The criminal
justice policy touches on the three components of the criminal justice system. These three
components are the correctional facilities, the courts, and the law enforcement units (Blomberg
et al., 2016). Law enforcement units are tasked with crime investigation, evidence gathering and
protection. The courts are tasked with ensuring adherence to the rule of law and deciding cases.
On the other hand, the correctional facilities provide an environment for the reformation of the
convicts and other law offenders. The policy seeks to direct and guide all the players in the
criminal justice system to uphold fairness and make informed decisions in their daily duties.
There are several reasons for the creation of criminal justice policies, which is commonly
referred to as criminal justice policy strategies. Among the reasons include reduction of crime
rates and re-offending, fair administration of punishment to law offenders, and protection of the
public (Blomberg et al., 2016). Furthermore, the policy seeks to provide victims with reparation
and to increase public confidence in the justice structure. The USA has had various problems in
the juvenile justice system; the policy has seen the need also to provide the much-needed reforms
in the juvenile justice system. The matter of guns and gun control has attracted a lot of attention,
both locally and internationally. It is one of the most sensitive issues that the US has had to deal
with, putting in place various policies (Hurka, 2017).
The adoption of criminal justice policies generally come up in response to various needs
and issues that directly or indirectly affect both the criminal justice system and society. Most of
these issues are rooted in deliberations about the crime levels in society (Welsh & Harris,
2016). For instance, in the US, several issues that directly touch on the criminal justice system
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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have been on the rise. Notable of these issues are gun violence and gun control, police brutality,
especially on ethnic minority groups, and the subject of the juvenile incarceration (Welsh &
Harris, 2016). Such issues have necessitated the need for reforms and more robust criminal
justice policies. Over the years, the US has witnessed several gun incidences in several states
(Hurka, 2017).
Execution of the Gun Control Program and the Target Group
Like any other policy, the implementation of criminal justice policies follows the sixstage policy implementation procedure. The six stages involved in policy implementation are the
documentation of the issue, policy stresses, agenda creation, policy approval, policy execution,
and assessment (Hurka, 2017). The criminal justice policy comprises several areas that may be
independent of each other, with various policies in the areas being adopted under different
circumstances. For instance, gun control policies in the US were first adopted in the early 1790s,
to restrict gun ownership. Several other policies on gun control have been enacted over the years
(Hurka, 2017). In the present-day world, policies on gun control are implemented both by the
federal and state governments. The right to gun ownership is under the guidance of the second
amendment (Smith & Spiegler, 2020).
Additionally, there are several other policies, acts or programs that provide guidelines on
gun control. Some of these policies include “the 1938 federal firearms act,” “the 1934 national
firearms act” and “the 2005 protection of lawful commerce in firearms act” (Hurka, 2017). These
acts provide guidelines on the possession, use and transfer of firearms in the United States. By
issuing these guidelines and regulations, the policies contribute to the implementation of the
overall criminal justice policy.
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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Civilians form the main target group for most policies, especially government enacted
ones. A very crucial part of the overall criminal justice policy, gun control guidelines target three
essential groups. These target groups are the civilians, who are supposed to abide by the gun
control policies, the courts and the police. Gun control policies provide guidelines on civilian
ownership, use and transfer of guns (Hurka, 2017). On the other hand, these policies help the
police and the courts in determining the best ways of dealing with gun-related cases. Under the
gun control regulations in the USA, civilians are under guidelines for the use of guns and
carrying of firearms in public places (Hurka, 2017).
Different contexts that Drive Gun Control Program and the Role of Government
The criminal justice policy, specifically the laws on gun control, have been developed in
several contexts, both locally and internationally. Firearm violence in the US is not a new thing.
The country has witnessed various incidences and recorded very high fatalities due to gun
violence. America loses about ten thousand citizens to gun associated deaths annually (Hurka,
2017). These gun incidences range from homicides, suicides as well as accidents from improper
gun use. Globally, the issue of gun violence is also rampant, especially in conflict-ravaged
nations. There are several cases of armed civil conflicts all over the world. Such problems have
necessitated the need to have strong criminal justice policies and gun control laws being adopted,
not only in America but also across the globe.
Adoption of gun control policies and other criminal justice policies are also adopted and
implemented in the context of achieving reforms in the corridors of justice (Smith & Spiegler,
2020). The policies on gun control do not just touch on gun ownership; they also target
manufacturers and sellers of the firearms (Hurka, 2017). Criminals and other unauthorized
firearm holders do not only get hold of the guns through stealing; there are also cases where
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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these individuals have been found to purchase them. This has prompted governments and other
institutions to put in place measures aimed at curbing the illegal sales of the firearms. Gun
control policies not only target the civilian in possession of weapons; they are also closely
monitoring firearm dealers, and regulating the sale of the guns (Smith & Spiegler, 2020).
Stopping gun violence and other criminal offences are responsibilities of both the
criminal justice system and the government. Both the federal and state governments play a
crucial part in the adoption and implementation of gun control strategies (Smith & Spiegler,
2020). Moreover, support is usually gotten from independent, policing organizations. These
organizations help several governments in formulating gun control and other criminal justice
policies. Additionally, citing the need for numerous reforms in the overall criminal justice and
the ownership of guns, different governments have seen the need to coordinate at the
international level to curb gun-related crimes. Thus, governments play a significant part in the
formulation, embracing, and execution of gun control and other criminal justice policies.
Impact of the Gun Control Policy
The gun control policy in the USA has elicited mixed reactions. While the policies have
been welcomed by many people, citing positive outcomes of the policy, there is also a fraction of
the population that feels the gun control policies are not good (Newman & Hartman, 2019).
Those against the policy give various reasons, among them being a restriction of their defence
options and making them more vulnerable to criminal attacks. However, looking at the bigger
picture, gun control policies have contributed to a significant reduction in gun violence and gunrelated incidence in the United States.
With weaker gun control policies, there were numerous gun violence cases; this
translated to increased healthcare costs by the government and overall effect on the economy
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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(Smith & Spiegler, 2020). However, stricter policies have led to a dramatic reduction of these
case. This has resulted in a positive outcome for the economy and ensure less healthcare
expenditure on gun violence victims. With the policies in place, citizens can go about their work
without fear. Moreover, effective gun control policies have contributed to a significant reduction
in gun-related accidents and suicides. Cases of firearm theft and unauthorized purchases have
been on the decrease over the years (Newman & Hartman, 2019). Thus, gun control policies
have contributed to massive success in the overall criminal justice system.
Recommendations to the Gun Control and Criminal Justice Policies
Although the current gun control and general criminal justice policies have improved law
and order dispensation in criminal justice, there are several changes which can be made to the
policies to make them stronger. One of the recommendations is for the policies to permit the
authorities to conduct background checks on the manufacturers, suppliers and venders of guns.
This would greatly help in ensuring that these firms do not engage in secret arms deals without
government knowledge. A second recommendation would be for the policies to make it
mandatory for licensed gun owners to give periodic reports regarding the firearms in their
possession. Such a move would ensure that licensed firearm holders are held accountable at all
times, and the updates will provide the authorities with information on the use of such firearms.
The third recommendation is for the gun control policy developers to raise the legal age to
purchase firearms. At eighteen years, a lot of youths are buying guns, and this is worrying given
their impulsive nature (Newman & Hartman, 2019); thus raising this age will also help in
curbing gun-related violence.
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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Public Relations Techniques in The Promotion of Gun Control Policy
The media is of great essence when it comes to public relation issues in the
implementation of numerous policies (Welsh & Harris, 2016). Through the media agenda
setting, policies get the maximum attention needed. The public relies mainly on the media for
information, not only relating to various policies but also other developments. Gun violence
issues have drawn the attention of the media, which has been on the forefront in championing for
gun control policies. The same media also plays a crucial part in informing the public on gun
control policies. Policy developers note the importance of the media in the promotion of public
relations when it comes to the promotion of gun control policies.
Forces and Dynamics at Play in The Policy Formulation, Adoption, And Implementation
Process.
There are several players in the gun control policies in the United States. The policies
have attracted both supporters and opposition, each party with various reasons for their stance on
the gun control policies. Several human rights and other lobby group organizations have been
supporting government policies on gun control. On the other hand, there are sections of civilians
and other agencies that advocate for the stringent policies to be eased. For instance, organizations
such as the “Gun Owners of America (GOA)” and the “Second Amendment Foundation (SAF)”
have been rooting for the rights of civilian gun owners. On the other hand, organizations such as
the “Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV)” and the “Gun-Free Kids” root for gun control
policies. Such organizations were very crucial in the formulation of gun control policies.
Conclusion
Policies are a set of guidelines, rules, programs and case studies whose main aim is to
provide a basis for significant decision making in governance. The gun control policy is an
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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essential aspect of the overall criminal justice policies; it seeks to control and prevent gun
violence incidences. Various players implement the policy within the criminal justice system
with main ones being the courts, law enforcers and other government agencies. There was a need
to adopt gun control policies due to the increase in the number of gun incidences in the US. The
policies are implemented by the criminal justice systems and governments, with civilians being
the main targets. The policies have contributed significantly to a reduction in gun incidences.
Various agencies, such as the Gun-Free Kids, have been involved in the policy formulation. The
media plays a crucial role in agenda-setting and public relations tools in policy implementation.
One of the recommended changes to the policy would be the adoption of background checks on
firearms dealers.
GUN CONTROL POLICY
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References
Blomberg, T. G., Brancale, J. M., Beaver, K. M., & Bales, W. D. (Eds.). (2016). Advancing
criminology and criminal justice policy. Routledge.
Hurka, S. (2017). Rampage shootings and gun control. New York, NY: Routledge.
Newman, B. J., & Hartman, T. K. (2019). Mass shootings and public support for gun
control. British Journal of Political Science, 49(4), 1527-1553.
Smith, J., & Spiegler, J. (2020). Explaining gun deaths: gun control, mental illness, and
policymaking in the American states. Policy studies journal.
Welsh, W. N., & Harris, P. W. (2016). Criminal justice policy and planning: Planned change.
Routledge.
Course Code
ADM-634
Class Code
ADM-634-O500
Criteria
Content
Percentage
70.0%
Describe the public policy and agenda setting,
including why this policy was created, and
explain how and why your policy was adopted.
10.0%
Explain how the policy was implemented and
identify the target group the policy was intended
for.
10.0%
Describe different contexts that drive the public
policy and if government has been involved in
any way.
10.0%
Evaluate the impact of the policy and suggest
change or make recommendations for improving
the policy.
15.0%
Correctly identify and discuss any public relations
techniques that were used to promote this public
policy.
10.0%
Describe the forces and dynamics at play in the
policy formulation, adoption, and
implementation process. Which forces and
dynamics were most significant in the formation
of the policy? (C. 4.5)
15.0%
Organization and Effectiveness
20.0%
Thesis Development and Purpose
7.0%
Argument Logic and Construction
8.0%
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling,
punctuation, grammar, language use)
5.0%
Format
10.0%
Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the
major and assignment)
5.0%
Documentat…
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