The model believed to more useful
The group model is preferred to the Elite model because it allows for checks and balances on the competition of the various groups. It, therefore, offers an equilibrium since influence is determined by wealth, numbers, the strength of the organization, access to decision-makers. The general public is also involved; their views are addresses through their political group and coalitions. There is also thorough monitoring of stakeholders such as political administrators by the general public.
Theories of the policy process
The methods of policymaking offer a framework for stakeholders of various organs to achieve set goals. Each approach provides a single lens of the policy formulation process. On a different note, a collection of the theories provides a collective lens that held views on the world from a different perspective and establishing a different relationship during the policy formulation process. There four fundamental doctrines of the policy process, which include: Multiple stream theory, the social construction of the target population, incrementalisms, and punctuated equilibrium theory. The multiple stream theory and social construction theory are discussed below:
Multiple streams theory
King Don developed the multiple stream approach, which is a multi-theoretical approach, which explores policy changes that are non-incremental by synthesizing components from agency-based theories and structural theories. This model has three streams that run independently, that is, the problem, the politics, and the policy. The problem stream is associated with the perception of issues that are visible to the public with a mind that those problems need to be solved by the government. The policy makes eventual aware of the problems through the response from groups that interact with the public. The system is entirely concerned with the result of the analysts who analyze the problems and suggest solutions. Finally, the political stream entails determinants that affect the governmental body, such as advocacy campaigns and legislative turnover. However, the three streams must be brought together before the policy is acted upon. The Author developed this approach of comprehending the list of public policy based on both primary and secondary examination of the agenda processes in the USA Political set up. The policy window can be used in some circumstances by specific stakeholders in the policy system to advance the involvement of issues that they are concerned about. Entrepreneurship policy is a good example that is examined by the multiple steam theory through the interactions of the three streams. The policy entrepreneurs focus on the center of agencies in the multi-stream setups.
The social construction theory
The social construction theory is one of the leading approaches in examining the policy process of the United States of America. It involves incorporating the powers of the targeted populations to comprehend the form and impact of the policy under design. Therefore, it implies that policy design affects citizens who participate in politics about how they categorized by the government. Whereas some groups of citizens can challenge how policymakers describe them, others become more powerless to the extent of not engaging in democratic processes. Policies on democracy are an example of a policy that can be explored by this theory. The theory focuses on the general social setting, including the analysis of political systems. It aims at constructing the political power of political parties and legislative processes.