Which of the following best describes the most crucial step in policy

Which of the following best describes the most crucial step in policy formation?

a. Convincing both political parties and independents to support the proposed policy
b. Defining the issue and placing it on the agenda for possible action
c. Determining who has vested interest in what aspects of the policy
d. Trying to simplify the proposed legislation so the public will support it

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
How an issue is defined determines what the possible approaches to resolution might be. With all the demands on legislators’ time, it is difficult for an issue to be seen as important enough to have action taken. Defining the issue as crucially important and worthy of a place on the agenda for possible action is the most critical step.