Share
Public Policy
A Concise Introduction
Third Edition
- Sara R. Rinfret - Northern Arizona University, USA, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, USA
- Denise Scheberle - University of Colorado, Denver, USA
- Michelle C. Pautz - University of Dayton, USA
January 2026 | 424 pages | CQ Press
Public Policy: A Concise Introduction is a brief, student-friendly textbook that quickly connects readers to the inner workings of American public policy. Authors Sara R. Rinfret, Denise Scheberle, and Michelle C. Pautz condense early chapters on theory and the policy-making process, allowing students to take up key policy challenges, such as immigration, education, and health care, much earlier in the semester. The Third Edition has been updated to address issues around policymaking in the current political context, as well as recent policy questions around issues including health care, climate change, immigration, income inequality, tax and economic policy, and tuition costs.
List of Figures and Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
About The Authors
Section I: Defining Us Public Policymaking
Chapter 1: The Foundation
Chapter 2: The Policy Process and Policy Theories
Section II: The Practice of Public Policy
Chapter 3: Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
Chapter 4: Rulemaking and Regulations
Section III: Understanding Key Public Policy Issues
Chapter 5: Economic Policy and Government Budgeting
Chapter 6: Crime and Public Policy
Chapter 7: Education Policy
Chapter 8: Civil Rights And Immigration Policy
Chapter 9: Social Welfare and Health-Care Policy
Chapter 10: Environmental and Energy Policy
Conclusion
Glossary
References
Index
