Reference no: EM133571319

Case Study: All think tanks conduct analysis and advocate positions on public policy issues, but some of these groups are committed to political or ideological standpoints that affect their analyses and recommendations. Gun control is one issue that think tanks of varying political persuasions have studied over the past several decades. The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012 and shootings at many other locations-such as a nightclub in Orlando, Florida; a high school in Parkland, Florida; a Walmart in El Paso, Texas; and a nightlife district in Dayton, Ohio-since then raise a number of questions related to use of firearms. These include the possible expansion of background checks required for those seeking to purchase a firearm, a limit on size of the ammunition clips available, a ban on assault-style weapons, and additional restrictions on gun purchases by those with diagnosed mental illness.

Questions:

• Which do you think is more persuasive? Explain your answer.
• Should policy analyses try to deal with the fundamental causes of social problems, such as crime, poverty, and homelessness, or aim instead for a more pragmatic approach that may be more realistic and more politically acceptable? Explain your position.