policy analysis essay sample

How to Write a Policy Analysis Paper in 6 Easy Steps (+Examples)

Working on a policy analysis paper is both challenging and fulfilling. In this article, we'll guide you through the process, whether you're new to the field or experienced. Understanding how policies are made, evaluated, and recommended is crucial for making a difference in public discussions and decisions. We'll cover everything from defining your goals to researching thoroughly, analyzing data, and presenting persuasive arguments. By following these steps, you'll be able to communicate your ideas effectively, shape procedure debates, and contribute to positive changes in society. Should you need more hands-on aid with the assignment, hire a college essay writer for the maximum result.

What Is a Policy Analysis Paper

A policy analysis essay definition is a comprehensive examination and evaluation of a particular policy or set of policies within a given context. It involves analyzing the rationale behind the system, its objectives, implementation strategies, and its intended and unintended consequences. This type of paper aims to provide insights into the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and feasibility of the approach, often considering various perspectives, stakeholders, and alternatives. Through rigorous research, data analysis, and critical reasoning, procedure analysis papers aim to inform decision-makers, scholars, and the public about the strengths and weaknesses of existing policies and propose recommendations for improvement or alternative courses of action.

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Policy Analysis Paper Purpose

The purpose of a policy analysis paper is to critically assess a specific procedure or set of policies in order to provide valuable insights into its effectiveness, implications, and potential areas for improvement. By examining the underlying rationale, objectives, and outcomes of the implementation, this type of paper aims to inform decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public about its strengths, weaknesses, and impacts on society. 

Students are writing a policy analysis paper in college for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to develop critical thinking and analytical skills by evaluating real-world policies and their implications. Additionally, it helps students understand the complexities of policy-making processes and how policies impact various stakeholders. Writing analysis papers also enhances research and writing skills, as students must gather and synthesize information from diverse sources to support their arguments effectively. Furthermore, engaging with procedure analysis fosters civic engagement and social responsibility, encouraging students to contribute to public discourse and advocate for evidence-based solutions. Are you dealing with multiple assignments all at the same time? If you’re about to address the audience, say, ‘ write a speech for me ,’ so our experts can relieve your workload.

Topic Ideas for Policy Analysis Paper

Here’s a collection of 50 thought-provoking policy analysis paper topics for your inspiration. In addition, we’d like to offer you informative essay topics for the purpose of learning and self-education.

• The viability of a universal healthcare system: An analysis.
• Plastic bag bans: Environmental implications examined.
• Tax credits for renewable energy adoption: Assessing effectiveness.
• Social security and raising the retirement age: Exploring implications.
• Implementing a four-day workweek: Feasibility assessment.
• Community policing strategies: Effectiveness in crime reduction.
• Increasing the minimum wage: Consequences evaluated.
• School voucher programs: Impact on educational equity.
• Congestion pricing for urban areas: Benefits and drawbacks analyzed.
• Government subsidies for electric vehicles: Effectiveness assessed.
• Zoning laws and affordable housing availability: An investigation.
• National carbon tax: Feasibility and impact explored.
• Mandatory voting laws: Consequences for political participation.
• Drug rehabilitation programs: Effectiveness in reducing recidivism.
• Legalizing marijuana: Public health implications examined.
• Immigration policies and cultural diversity: Assessing impact.
• Privatizing water utilities: Consequences analyzed.
• Anti-bullying policies in schools: Effectiveness evaluated.
• Free college tuition programs: Benefits and drawbacks assessed.
• Wealth tax implementation: Feasibility analysis.
• Ride-sharing services and traditional taxi industries: Impact assessment.
• Gender quotas in corporate leadership: Effectiveness examined.
• National gun registry: Implications and feasibility explored.
• Expanding nuclear energy production: Consequences evaluated.
• Mandatory parental leave policies: Effectiveness assessment.
• Charter school expansion: Impact on public education explored.
• Basic income implementation: Viability and consequences assessed.
• Affordable housing initiatives: Success factors examined.
• Internet privacy regulations: Impact on data security analyzed.
• Corporate tax breaks: Economic implications assessed.
• Universal preschool programs: Long-term benefits explored.
• Climate change adaptation policies: Effectiveness in resilience building.
• Universal voting by mail: Implications for voter turnout examined.
• Reducing military spending: Consequences and feasibility analyzed.
• Workplace diversity training: Effectiveness in promoting inclusivity.
• Renewable energy subsidies: Impact on energy independence assessed.
• Telecommuting incentives: Feasibility and impact on traffic analyzed.
• Carbon capture and storage initiatives: Viability and effectiveness.
• Local food sourcing policies: Benefits for communities examined.
• Police body camera mandates: Impact on accountability assessed.
• Community land trust programs: Success factors and limitations.
• Mental health parity laws: Effectiveness in improving access.
• Corporate social responsibility regulations: Impact on sustainability.
• Universal pre-kindergarten education: Social and economic benefits.
• Land value tax implementation: Impact on property markets assessed.
• Affordable childcare initiatives: Impact on workforce participation.
• Smart city technology investments: Benefits for urban development.
• Flexible work hour policies: Impact on productivity and well-being.
• Prescription drug pricing regulations: Consequences for affordability.
• Public-private partnerships for infrastructure development: Effectiveness and risks assessed.

If you need more ideas, you may want to consult our guide on argumentative essay topics , which will definitely help kickstart your creativity. 

How to Structure a Policy Analysis Paper

A policy analysis paper format demands organizing your content coherently and logically to effectively communicate your analysis and findings. Here's a typical structure you can follow:

Introduction

• Provide an overview of the issue or problem you're analyzing.
• Clearly state the purpose of your analysis.
• Introduce the policy or policies under review.
• Provide background information to contextualize the issue.
• State your thesis or research question.

Policy Context and Background

• Provide more in-depth background information on the issue.
• Describe the historical development of the policies.
• Discuss the context in which the procedure was implemented.
• Identify key stakeholders and their interests in the strategy.

Policy Analysis Framework

• Explain the framework or methodology you're using to analyze the policy.
• Define key concepts and terms relevant to your analysis.
• Discuss any theoretical frameworks or models guiding your analysis.
• Outline the criteria or criteria you will use to evaluate the procedure's effectiveness.

Policy Goals and Objectives

• Identify and discuss the stated goals and objectives of the policy.
• Evaluate the clarity and coherence of these goals.
• Discuss any potential conflicts or contradictions among the goals.

Policy Implementation

• Describe how the policy has been implemented in practice.
• Discuss any challenges or barriers to implementation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation strategies.

Policy Outcomes and Impacts

• Assess the outcomes and impacts of the policy.
• Evaluate the extent to which the procedure has achieved its intended goals.
• Discuss any unintended consequences or side effects of the approach.

Policy Alternatives

• Identify and discuss alternative policy options or approaches.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative.
• Discuss the potential trade-offs associated with each alternative.

Recommendations

• Based on your analysis, provide recommendations for policymakers.
• Discuss specific actions or changes that could improve the process.
• Justify your recommendations with evidence from your analysis.
• Summarize the main findings of your analysis.
• Restate your thesis or research question.
• Reflect on the broader implications of your analysis.
• Discuss any limitations or areas for further research.
• Provide a list of sources cited in your paper.
• Follow the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Need help with the assignment at this stage? Hire writer for political essay help to save time and secure optimal academic results.

How to Write a Policy Analysis Paper

In this section, we'll cover the basics of writing a policy analysis paper. This type of paper involves breaking down complicated policy issues, figuring out how well they're working, and suggesting ways to make them better. We'll walk you through the steps, like defining the goals of the implementation, looking at how it's being put into action, and checking what effects it's having. By the end, you'll have the skills to write a clear, well-reasoned paper that can help shape policies for the better. 

Understanding the Policy Issue

Start by thoroughly understanding the policy issue or problem you're analyzing. Research its background, context, and significance. Identify key stakeholders, relevant laws or regulations, and any existing policies addressing the issue.

Defining the Scope and Purpose

Clearly define the scope and purpose of your analysis. Determine what specific aspect of the approach you'll focus on and why it's important. Clarify the goals of your analysis and what you hope to achieve with your paper. Use an expert essay writing service to streamline your effort in producing a first-class paper. 

Gathering Data and Evidence

Collect relevant data and evidence to support your analysis. This may include statistical information, case studies, expert opinions, and academic research. Use credible sources and ensure your data is accurate and up-to-date.

Analyzing the Policy

A policy analysis paper evaluates the legislative program’s effectiveness, strengths, weaknesses, and implications. Use a structured approach, such as a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or cost-benefit analysis, to assess the procedure from multiple perspectives. Consider its intended goals, implementation strategies, outcomes, and unintended consequences. If you need help with SWOT analysis, using our analytical essay writing service is highly recommended. 

Developing Recommendations

Based on your analysis, develop clear and actionable recommendations for policymakers or stakeholders. Identify specific changes or improvements that could enhance the system’s effectiveness or address its shortcomings. Support your recommendations with evidence and reasoning.

Writing and Communicating Your Analysis

Organize your analysis into a coherent and persuasive paper. Structure your paper with an introduction, background information, analysis, recommendations, and conclusion. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms unless necessary. Provide citations for your sources and evidence. Finally, ensure your paper is well-written, logically organized, and effectively communicates your insights and recommendations.

Policy Analysis Paper Example

A policy analysis paper example serves as a valuable learning tool for students by providing a concrete model to follow and reference when undertaking their own analysis assignments. By studying an example paper, students can gain insights into the structure, content, and methodology of analysis, helping them understand how to effectively frame their analysis, support their arguments with evidence, and formulate actionable recommendations.

Example 1: “Implementing Universal Basic Income”

This policy analysis paper examines the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program in the United States. It explores various options for UBI design, including cost and financing considerations, labor market effects, poverty reduction potential, and administrative feasibility. By reviewing existing evidence and debates surrounding UBI, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting such a program, ultimately highlighting the need for careful analysis, experimentation, and stakeholder engagement in shaping effective UBI policies.

Example 2: “Addressing Climate Change through Carbon Pricing”

This policy analysis paper examines the role of carbon pricing policies in addressing climate change, evaluating their efficacy, implementation challenges, and potential impacts. Carbon pricing mechanisms, including carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems, aim to internalize the external costs of carbon emissions and incentivize emission reductions. The paper discusses the economic efficiency of carbon pricing in promoting innovation and investment in clean technologies while also addressing equity considerations regarding its distributional impacts on low-income households and vulnerable communities.

Writing a policy analysis paper is super important for students because it helps them learn how to tackle tough societal problems and make smart decisions. You get to sharpen your thinking skills, learn how to research thoroughly and become better at expressing yourself clearly. Plus, writing these papers helps students practice effectively communicating their ideas, which is a skill they'll need in their future careers, whether they work in government, nonprofits, or elsewhere. By digging into real-world issues, students also get a better grip on how politics, economics, and society all fit together. If you’re not committed to handling this task yourself, instruct our experts, saying, ‘ write my essay ,’ and receive the most competent help within hours. 

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What Is a Policy Analysis Paper Outline?

How to write a policy analysis paper, what is a policy analysis paper.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

EssayEmpire

Policy analysis essay.

Policy analysis is a method of inquiry to examine governmental activity that provides a systematic way to assess the consequences of past policy actions and the alternatives available to address societal problems. Hence, it can be used for both retrospective and prospective purposes.

The field of policy analysis has evolved considerably. Early policy research focused almost exclusively on the economic elements of governmental actions. Over the years, policy analysis expanded to incorporate a wider range of factors, drawing from such fields as political science, sociology, and geography. A number of factors have driven the development of policy analysis research, including advancements in analytic techniques, greater citizen demands for more systematic information about government, and the wider availability of relevant data. As of the early twenty-first century, policy analysis incorporated an array of different analytical procedures and methodological approaches.

One of the main questions about policy analysis concerns whether it should be performed by those who make or implement policy decisions—such as legislative staffs and administrators—or by those who work outside of the policy process—such as consultants, academics, policy advocates. Internal policy analysis can produce more useful, detailed information, but it might also be less independent and comprehensive. On the other hand, external policy analysis may yield more objective information, but it may be less useful, timely, and relevant for policy makers.

Another question is whether policy analysis should focus only on the technical aspects of a problem and avoid any political elements. Some question whether policy analysis can be apolitical. Although it aims to provide an objective, systematic account of governmental activity, it can also be used for political purposes to generate support for existing governmental programs and future policy proposals. Hence, it is difficult to separate the technical and political components of policy analysis.

Policy analysis has become an integral component of the contemporary policy-making process. It produces information that allows assessment of the consequences of past decisions, and helps determine the merits of future governmental actions.

Bibliography:

• Brewer, Garry D., and Peter deLeon. Foundations of Policy Analysis. Homewood, Ill.: Dorsey Press, 1983.
• Dunn,William N. Public Policy Analysis: An Introduction. 2nd ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1994.
• Dye,Thomas R. Policy Analysis: What Governments Do, Why They Do It and What Difference It Makes. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1976.
• Guess, George M., and Paul G. Farnham. Cases in Public Policy Analysis. 2 nd ed.Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2000.
• Radin, Beryl A. “The Evolution of the Policy Analysis Field: From Conversation to Conversations.” Journal of Policy Analysis and Management 16, no. 2 (1997): 204–218.
• Weimer, David L., and Aidan Vining. Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practice. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1999.
• Wildavsky, Aaron. Speaking Truth to Power: The Art and Craft of Policy Analysis. Boston: Little, Brown, 1979.

This example Policy Analysis Essay  is published for educational and informational purposes only. If you need a custom essay or research paper on this topic please use our writing services. EssayEmpire.com offers reliable custom essay writing services that can help you to receive high grades and impress your professors with the quality of each essay or research paper you hand in.

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Policy Analysis Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: United States , America , Security , Nation , National Security , Strategy , Leadership , Policy

Words: 1250

Published: 10/17/2022

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Overview of the National Security Policy of the USA

Annually the government of the United States of America reconsider the amendments to the National Security Strategy in order to define the major steps to increase the defense of the country. The legal basis for the adoption of the National Security Strategy is provided in the Goldwater-Nichols Act, which was adopted in 1986. This Act stipulates the framework of the authorities of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Moreover, this legal instrument has amended the way of the organizational structure of the U.S. national army. From its adoption, the leadership of the USA successfully addressed the invasion to Panama on behalf of the army, reconsidered the interaction with the conflict situation in Iran. However, in 2001 the Secretary of Defense decided to strengthen its security and safety policy in order to prevent the similar attacks taking place in 2001. Simultaneously, in November 2015 the Senate Armed Service Committee proclaimed the policy towards the reconsideration of the provisions of the Act. This approach towards the improvement of the national safety is caused by several challenges posed to the national security. The USA faces nowadays the several exposures of the violence, while the overall amount of the cyber crimes is increasing from day to day. At the same time, the state authorities of the USA are considering about the measures that may allow to tackle the aggressive acts committed on behalf of the Russian Federation in the East Europe and Syria. Therefore, with the further amendments of the national strategy defense, the leadership of the United States of America hopes to prove that the USA may address the risks in the reasonable manner in order to protects its population from several challenges and problems (Henderson, 2010). Meanwhile, it should be said the national security policy cover not only the military sphere of activity, while the general welfare of the population is one of the main tasks in front of the state authorities to maintain. In this respect, the USA is considering about the expansion of the trade relations with the countries located in the Asian region. The entrance into new trade relations and pursuit of the new partners will allow for the USA to create new employment opportunities for the population which will lead to the increased revenue of the country and improvement of the total welfare of the population of the state. With that, the USA has the intend to the stablish the stable trade relations with India, China, Korea, Singapore and other states in this region in order to create the benefits and attract the bigger volume of the investments. Moreover, the reconsideration of the investment flow to African region will take place in order to get the resources for the improvement of the health and food security in this region that influences the environment in the rest of the world. Accordingly, the USA is going to address the spread of the diseases in the African and other vulnerable regions so that to cease its expansion on the rest of the continents. This approach will lead to the strengthening of the guarantees for the protection of the population of the USA. At the same time, the current national policy of the USA has the aim to reduce the usage of the nuclear weapons in the world as it poses the risk to the safe human living. With regard to the environmental security, the USA requests all other states to draw attention to the climate change issues. Following this dimension, the country is considering about the measures that will lead to the elimination of the greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, the proclaim of these measures by the leadership of the USA underlines the importance of the protection the human life not only within the territory of the USA, while the securing of the interests of the human in the world it the top priority of the country. In addition, the leading figures in the USA request the world to pay attention for the improvement the protection of the human rights in all countries in order to ensure the realization of the guarantees provided in the pivotal legal instruments as the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights, etc. (Goldgeier, n.d.). In contrast, it should be said that the main priority established in the current security policy of the USA is to increase its influence and power in the world as the developed states. From this perspective, the government of the USA desires to exercises this influence with purpose to improve the general welfare in the following dimensions: Accordingly, the USA nowadays is not confident in its power in the world as China and the European Union refer to the attempts to exercise its influence on the less developed states as the countries providing the essential help that may improve the security and safety of the states in general. In this respect, the leadership of the USA has the aim to realize the statements in the strategy in full in order to improve its status and reputation in the world. Besides, the National Security Strategy of the United States of America envisages the vision of the leadership of the country aimed to sustain the role of the country. Meanwhile, it contains the purpose and the objectives of the forthcoming plan of actions. In addition, the realization of the national security agenda will be the main task of the new coming President of the United States of America. Upon the election campaign, this person and leader will have to identify the threats and challenges posed to the national security of the country. In 2017, the President will have to consider the available resources in the country in order to provide the adequate assistance for the nation of the country as well as to deliver it to the countries in need, such as African states and the less developed countries in the Latin America. Moreover, some experts consider that even current National Security Strategy of the USA requires the amendments as some dimensions have been missed. For example, the state authorities have not considered that the reduction of the discrimination between the native citizens and the minorities will lead to the improvements of the safety of the population due to the fact that it may decrease the amount of the criminal actions within the country. At the same time, the promotion of the legal norms may improve the protection of the human rights that are essential for the general welfare of the human individual (Lucas, 2015). However, the National Security policy of the United States of America should be regarded as the strong legal document and the strategy which identifies the main goals and objectives of the leading authorities of the country in order to unite all available resources for achievement of these goals.

Goldgeier, J. Revitalizing the U.S. National Security Strategy. Retrieved 16 February 2016, from https://twq.elliott.gwu.edu/sites/twq.elliott.gwu.edu/files/downloads/TWQ_Winter2016_Goldgeier-Suri.pdf Henderson, C. (2010). The 2010 United States National Security Strategy and the Obama Doctrine of 'Necessary Force'. Journal Of Conflict And Security Law, 15(3), 403-434. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jcsl/krq025 Lucas, N. (2015). The 2015 National Security Strategy: Authorities, Changes, Issues for Congress. Retrieved 16 February 2016, from https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R44023.pdf

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