Description
Your own selected Topic Idea: Apply selected policy analysis methods to a specific policy topic; build expertise in course methods and a substantive policy issue; practice analytical policy writing:
Policy Memo, Part A
Defining and Scoping the Problem
Explains, and defines the policy problem as thoroughly as possible within the space constraints.
Required Exhibits:
No exhibits are required or expected, but feel free to use tables or diagrams if useful. These should be on separate pages at the end of the file. If you use exhibits, be sure to explain in the narrative how they contribute to your argument.
In your narrative, be sure to:
State the problem succinctly.
Describe the harms associated with the problem (symptoms; impacts), supported by evidence. Cite sources.
Describe scale/scope, dynamics (trend), and distribution of the problem, supported by evidence. Cite sources.
Explain how confident you are that this is a REAL problem. Cite sources. Note any significant areas of disagreement among experts about the dimensions of the problem.
Apply relevant species of market, government, and/or distributive failure to help illuminate the nature of the problem.
o Use at least 3 and no more than 5 failure species. Each row in the class handout = 1 species.
o When applying concepts of market failure, be sure to describe the “good” to be produced. There may be more than one.
* For each “good,” classify it as private, purely public, or quasi-public, with a brief explanation.
o Specify the species of failure being applied, justify your selections, and explain in as much detail as possible how each failure concept illuminates the nature of the policy problem.
*Note: It is not enough just to say “market failure” or “government failure” – please name the specific species you are using (e.g., “positive externality” or “unequal citizenship”).
o The failure-frameworks section of Part A may or may not include citations. If you find articles that connect your topic to the relevant failure concepts, then please cite those, but citations in this section are not required or expected.
