HCS455_Week_3_Individual_Assignment.doc The Policy Process HCS/455 The Policy Process

HCS455_Week_3_Individual_Assignment.doc  The Policy Process  HCS/455  The Policy Process  The policy process begins with a problem that exists to provide a specific course of action. This paper will explain the policy process and explain how the Affordable Care Act advanced through the policy process stages. It is important to understand that policymaking is a decision-making process. The policy process is made up of three phases: formulation, implementation, and modification. Each stage in the policy process will be identified.   The formulation phase is made up of two parts: agenda setting and development of legislation. Each part involves policymakers in engaging on decisions. The agenda setting has three key variables: problems, solutions, and political circumstances. Problems emerge because of trends eventually reaching unacceptable levels which policymakers compel to address underlying problems through legislation. Some problems result in policy proposals because they are sometimes linked to other problems that are already on the agenda. Sometimes problems cannot be solved with just a solution to the problem, they sometimes require political force. œThus, the political circumstances surrounding each problem-potential solution form the crucial third variable in creating a window of opportunity through which problems and potential solutions move toward development of legislation (Longest, 2014). It is said that interest group lobbyist purchase votes from legislators to help move bills. Interest groups lobby a