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A political scientist at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government analyzes how public policy is made in this country--and why the system works so much better than most observers believe.

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CHOICE Review

Kelman's interesting and readable book ties parts of the policy-making process together to explain the effects government decisions have on citizens. The book is divided into two parts: the first is a framework for analysis and the second treats the normative implications of the policy process. Although many observers find the functions of government tedious and dominated by special interest groups, Kelman is more optimistic. He emphasizes the positive role ``public spirit'' plays in American government. Two standard works in this field are Randall B. Ripley's Policy Analysis in Political Science (1985) and Charles O. Jones's An Introduction to the Study of Public Policy (3rd ed., 1983). This book is easier reading than either, and should serve undergraduate students well in policy research classes. Kelman (John F. Kennedy School of Government) evaluates many classic works in political science and relates each to his ``optimism of democracy'' theme. The book is unusually well written for one that treats public policies and their attendant specific problems and special languages. The examples are a help for students unfamiliar with past government programs (e.g., Great Society, New Frontier). Strongly recommended for undergraduate students in political science.-J.D. Woodard, Clemson University

Booklist Review

If the public-spirited citizens of a nation join together, Kelman argues in this clearly stated conservative's primer of American politics, good policy will result. He begins by discussing the means through which public-policy decisions are made exercising power, employing persuasion, offering inducements, etc. and continues with a somewhat abstract analysis of Congress' crucial role in policy-making. Contending that the roadblocks to good public policy lie not in the various branches of government but in the bureaucratic machinery used to administer them, Kelman spends considerable time outlining methods for improving efficiency e.g., making firing easier and paying top executives more. Unfortunately, too many of the author's major points rest on oversimplifications and too many issues are evaded (What about lobbies? Why don't more people vote?) for this optimistic view of current public policy to convince anyone other than those sympathetic to the conservative position. Still, the book belongs in most collections that attempt to reflect multiple points of view on the key issues in American government. Notes; to be indexed. RR. 350 U.S. Politics and government 1981-