Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to offer a framework for thinking about policy and the policy process. The chapter begins with a definition of policy and goes on to describe the systems model which has been developed as a way of analysing and studying the policy process. The limitations of such a model are noted and the need to draw on other perspectives is highlighted. The rest of the chapter discusses the organisation of British government including the role of Parliament, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, ministers and civil servants, government departments and pressure groups. The chapter concludes by noting the changes that have occurred to the organisation of government and those that are planned, in particular the move to devolve power within the United Kingdom.
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Guide to Further Reading
More detailed information on the nature of policy and political systems can be found in Easton’s work (Easton, 1953, 1965a, 1965b). Jenkins (1978) examines policy analysis using a political and organisational perspective and makes use of an amended systems model, and Parsons (1995) offers an overview of different perspectives on policy analysis. The Crossman and Castle Diaries (Crossman, 1975, 1976, 1977; Castle, 1980) give inside views of the organisation of British central government. Beer (1969) provides an important interpretation of the evolution of politics in Britain; and Smith (1976) describes central government from a policy perspective. Brown and Steel (1979) analyse changes in the civil service and the machinery of government, while Norton (1981) discusses the role of the House of Commons and Richardson and Jordan (1979) focus on the part played by pressure groups in the policy process. Jordan and Richardson (1987) examine the policy process in Britain, and Hennessy (1986; 1989; 1995) analyses the role of the Cabinet, civil service and other institutions. Dunleavy and others (1997) assess recent developments in British politics. Smith (1999) reviews the role of the core executive.
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© 1999 Christopher Ham
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Ham, C. (1999). The Policy-making Process in Central Government. In: Health Policy in Britain. Public Policy and Politics. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-27706-3_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-27706-3_6
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-76407-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-27706-3
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