Public Policy: Preferences and Outcomes

by Christopher A. Simon

Overview

Now in a thoroughly revised fourth edition, Public Policy: Preferences and Outcomes is designed to help students better understand the ways in which public policy is grounded in normative theory, empowering them to discuss policy issues with clarity. This approachable book examines the role of political theory in the governance process and the effect of public opinion on policy priorities and government. It introduces students to the tools of policy analysis and the most up-to-date policy theories in conceptualizing public policy in several major policy areas, including defense, public health, criminal justice, and the environment. Major updates to this edition include:

• An all-new, dedicated chapter on immigration policy, as well as updates to each substantive policy area chapter, detailing the significant policy changes wrought by the second Trump administration.
• Thoroughly updated material on federalism and intergovernmental relations, including recent examples of intergovernmental cooperation in areas like natural disasters and public health, as well as the effects of federalism on policy innovation and diffusion.
• A test bank and PowerPoint slides to aid instructors in teaching from the book.

Assuming no prior background in public policy and offering instructors a variety of ways to engage students and tailor the book to their classroom setting and course priorities, Public Policy: Preferences and Outcomes, 4^th Edition is a flexible and highly effective teaching resource for introductory courses.  The new edition also serves as a timely refresher on the “basics,” for students in upper-division, policy-specific courses, to develop a more rigorous and confident understanding of their specific policy area of study.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032939056
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/25/2026
Edition description:	4th ed.
Pages:	316
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Christopher A. Simon is Professor of Public Affairs, former Interim Director of the MPP Program, and former Director of the MPA Program, in the School of Public Affairs at The University of Utah, USA. 

Table of Contents

Part I. Introduction to Public Policy  1. Policy and Visions of Governance  2. Thinking About Public Policy: How Choices Are Made  3. Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations  4. Policy Analysis  Part II. Dimensions of Public Policy  5. Agenda Setting  6. Policy Formation  7. Policy Implementation  8. Policy Evaluation  9. Policy Termination  Part III. Major Public Policies  10. Defense Policy  11. Public Health Policy  12. General Social Policy  13. Education Policy  14. Criminal Justice Policy  15. Green Policy  16. Immigration Policy  17. Cost of Policy  Conclusion: Future of Public Policy

Editorial Reviews

"An excellent guidebook for students that teaches them both the analytical and normative skills to understand, assess, and even implement public policies. In an age where the underlying democratic principles of reasoned, net beneficial public policy are increasingly under attack, this book is more important than ever."

Benjamin K. Sovacool, University of Sussex, UK and Boston University, USA

“Clear, comprehensive, deeply engaging, and thoroughly updated. Simon’s Public Policy has anchored my teaching for years, giving students both essential foundations and the tools to analyze policy with rigor and confidence. It remains the first text I recommend for anyone beginning the study of public policy.”

David P. Adams, Associate Professor, California State University, Fullerton

“The 4^th edition of Public Policy: Preferences and Outcomes offers students a clear, engaging, and comprehensive introduction to public policy. Simon effectively bridges theory with practice, ensuring that readers grasp both foundational concepts and the real-world dynamics shaping today’s policy choices and outcomes.”

Brent S. Steel, University Distinguished Professor, Oregon State University

“I have observed the evolution of Public Policy: Preferences and Outcomes over the course of four editions and am very happy to see that it remains an important mainstay in our disciplinary literature.  The 4^th edition once again provides a sound foundation for understanding the public policy process and its vast consequences for American democracy, including timely updates relating to changes being introduced during the 2^nd Trump administration.  As Christopher Simon notes, “public policy is affected by two different worlds: the world of the normative—the realm of political philosophy—and the world of empirical—the realm of science. This book explores both realms.”  In a uniformly evenhanded, fair, and sensitive way, Simon provides an outstanding exploration of these two realms to the benefit of all students regardless of their political inclinations.”

Nicholas P. Lovrich, Regents Professor, Claudius O. and Mary W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Washington State University

From the Publisher