Public Policy Process: Respect for Marriage Act
As public opinion evolved over time to embrace same-sex marriages, so did the government’s desire to accept it. The development of this law is consistent with the premise that governmental power derives from those who consent to be governed and in the public interest. This paper outlines how policies enacted by the federal government can mirror public sentiment, and describes the public policy process, a slow, deliberate, and oftentimes politically contentious procedure, using the Respect for Marriage Act of 2022 as an example.
Taxes and Subsidies on Public Policy
Understanding the economic impact of public policies such as taxes, subsidies, and price controls is crucial if effective and intended results are to be achieved. The attached problem set is a good example of how a proposed tax on a certain good had unintended results and did not accomplish the government's objective. Only by considering the economics will government officials truly understand the effects of their policies and be able to predict their impact.
