Reference no: EM133344506

Assignment: Refining a Health Problem into a Policy Problem

Defining & assessing a health problem that can, potentially, be resolved through government policymaking action. You have 1 page (1 inch margins, 12 point font, double spaced), in policy work you must be succinct. Points will be deducted if you go over 1 double spaced page. Identify 2 health problems (i.e. self-selected and of interest to you). In 1 paragraph for each of the topics answer the following questions:
Defining & Assessing a Health Problem That Can, Potentially, Be Resolved Through Government Policymaking Action, you will identify 2 health problems you want to tackle (i.e. self-selected and of interest to you).

Question 1) In 1 sentence define the health problem. In the next sentence translate the problem into a policy problem. Do not just re-state the health problem. (Remember health problems are not policy problems. A policy problem is a problem that the government can act upon, so if the government cannot perform one of the 8 actions under its jurisdiction to solve the problem, then the "problem" is not a policy problem.)

Question 2) Discuss/Describe what the policy problem(s) is and why that problem(s) is significant.

Question 3) Discuss/Describe what level and/or branch of government is best suited/situated to resolve the problem(s) via the policymaking process. (Name the jurisdiction, Level and Branch)

Question 4) Discuss/Describe why the problem(s) is best resolved by that level and/or branch of government's policymaking process. Why do you think this is the appropriate jurisdiction? (Describe the policy window at that jurisdiction in terms of timing, context, politics, focusing event, election, etc.)

Question 5) Who is the decision maker(s) you will be targeting to champion the policy problem and that your brief will be addressed to? (Name the decision maker(s) you are going to brief and your justification of the choice).

Question 6) Discuss/Describe the political context surrounding the policy problem. (Look at the party platforms)

Question 7) Conclude with a brief discussion/analysis/argument as to why your preferred option is the best, most suitable option for government action to resolve the problem(s).

You must come out of this assignment with at least one VIABLE policy problem government can act upon. Until you have a viable policy problem you need to resubmit this assignment over and over again; you cannot move forward until this assignment is completed because the policy problem you identify in this assignment will be used for the next 2 assignments.