In a democratic society all the great ideas in the world mean nothing if you cannot persuade those in elected legislative office not only to accept your proposals but also to enact them into law. How does a good idea become law? Thousands of bills are introduced in the U.S. Congress every year, but only a few hundred are ever enacted. What is the key to effective policy-making in the United States? By using case studies of proposals that either succeeded or failed to become law, this course will enhance the student's understanding of public policy making. The particular focus of this course will be the U.S. Congress and all the components that dictate whether a particular proposal becomes law. Students will examine how the elected official's desires, both political and otherwise, interact with the goals of his colleagues, special interest groups, staff members, the media, and the legislative process to create legislation. The student's study of legislative policy making should not only enhance an understanding of an admittedly confusing process but also assist the student in becoming a better advocate for the ideas he or she seeks to advance.
