public policy

Overview

Chapter Three Lecture & Supplemental MaterialsWeb Page [Image unavailable: Alternative formats]Click on this book. It contains, the lecture materials, chapter PowerPoint, and other materials. The materials contained herein are not a substitute for your reading. They are meant to be a supplement to your required reading and other supporting materials. If you use these as your only primary source of chapter information, you will not be successful in the course.

Corporate Influence & the American DreamDiscussion Topic Choose one of these two options for this chapter's discussion:Question 1: The elite theory, which emphasizes how a small group of powerful individuals or interests shape policy through access, money, and status. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, was a massive reconciliation bill that enacted sweeping changes in health (e.g., Medicaid reforms and rural health expansions), tech (e.g., AI regulations and data privacy adjustments), taxes (e.g., extending cuts and corporate incentives), and energy (e.g., rolling back certain clean energy subsidies while boosting fossil fuels). After reading the chapter and conducting some research try to identify where lobbyists, CEOs, or wealthy donors (such as those from tech giants like Meta or energy firms like Exxon) appear to have directly influenced the outcome and explain which chapter three policymaking theory best explains this influence. Question 2: Socialism & the American Dream The surprise NYC victory of Zohran Mamdani has everyone talking about democratic socialism and the "death" of the American Dream. Both of the below linked resources discuss how younger generations facing student debt, stagnating incomes, and high housing costs see socialism not as radicalism, but as a viable alternative to the status quo. What do you think? Is the American Dream still alive? If not, what role should government play in redefining or rescuing it?As an aside, the 2025-2026 National Governors Association Chairman Initiative is "Reinvigorating the American Dream." Coincidence? Unlikely.All in: Socialism Wins in NYC*Please be mindful of the syllabus requirements for discussion posts and the due dates. A Note About AI Use
If you use a tool like ChatGPT this week to organize your thoughts, brainstorm examples, or understand policy terms include a quick note at the bottom of your post (1–2 sentences) describing how you used it. This isn’t to penalize you, it’s to help you become more thoughtful about how AI can support your learning, not replace it. I am seeing a lot of AI generated materials. Learn to use the tools to elevate your thinking.

Chapter Three Assignment Assignment [Image unavailable: Task: Submit to complete this assignment]As state government Legislative sessions ended in June, lawmakers introduce thousands of bills around the country on every conceivable topic. As a reminder, State Legislatures make laws for your state only unlike laws enacted by Congress in Washington, D. C. that impact every state - once signed into law. Last year alone, there were almost 100,000 bills introduced across the United States, with New Jersey ranking #1. New York lawmakers generally introduced anywhere from 8,000 to 18,000+ bills every year. This year, over 18,000 were introduced while only 856 bills passed both Houses. So far the Governor has signed or vetoed hundreds bills into law and will be required to act on the remainder by December 31, 2025. One of the most controversial was a law that allows terminally ill adults, who are mentally competent and have six months or less to live, to request medication they can take to end their life on their own terms. This kind of end-of-life option is called “medical aid in dying” and it has been debated for a decade or longer in New York, but will finally becoming law in 2026. Your assignment requires you to answer the following questions:

• What do you think helped push this bill over the finish line after so many years of failed attempts?
• Which of the policymaking theories we’ve talked about best helps you understand how and why this law passed now?
• Can you think of any groups or individuals (on either side of the issue) who helped shape the outcome?
• Do you think the public was really behind this law or was it more about political timing and pressure from informal groups?

This is one of those policies that really hits home for people - it is so personal - and not everyone agrees on what’s right. That’s what makes it such a powerful case to examine through the lens of political theory.Here are a few links to help you with this assignment:https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-reaches-agreement-state-legislature-pass-medical-aid-dying-act-new-yorkAssemblywoman Paulin RemarksPBS: Will NY Pass Medical Aid in Dying Act?https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2025/12/17/hochul-medical-aid-in-dying-act-supportA Note About AI Use
If you use a tool like ChatGPT or Grok this week to organize your thoughts, brainstorm examples, or understand policy terms include a quick note at the bottom of your post (1–2 sentences) describing how you used it. This isn’t to penalize you, it’s to help you become more thoughtful about how AI can support your learning, not replace it. I am seeing a lot of AI generated materials. Learn to use the tools to elevate your thinking.