Share
Public Policy
A Concise Introduction
Third Edition
- Sara R. Rinfret - Northern Arizona University, USA
- Denise Scheberle - University of Colorado, Denver, USA
- Michelle C. Pautz - University of Dayton, USA
March 2026 | 384 pages | CQ Press
Public Policy: A Concise Introduction is a brief, student-friendly textbook that quickly connects readers to the inner workings of American public policy. Authors Sara R. Rinfret, Denise Scheberle, and Michelle C. Pautz condense early chapters on theory and the policy-making process, allowing students to take up key policy challenges, such as immigration, education, and health care, much earlier in the semester. The Third Edition has been updated to address issues around policymaking in the current political context, as well as recent policy questions around issues including health care, climate change, immigration, income inequality, tax and economic policy, and tuition costs.
List of Figures and Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
About The Authors
Section I: Defining Us Public Policymaking
Chapter 1: The Foundation
Chapter 2: The Policy Process and Policy Theories
Section II: The Practice of Public Policy
Chapter 3: Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
Chapter 4: Rulemaking and Regulations
Section III: Understanding Key Public Policy Issues
Chapter 5: Economic Policy and Government Budgeting
Chapter 6: Crime and Public Policy
Chapter 7: Education Policy
Chapter 8: Civil Rights And Immigration Policy
Chapter 9: Social Welfare and Health-Care Policy
Chapter 10: Environmental and Energy Policy
Conclusion
Glossary
References
Index
Supplements
Instructor Resource Site
1. Instructor Resources
Online resources included with this text
The online resources for your text will be available here upon publication, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.
For additional information, custom options, or to request a personalized walkthrough of these resources, please contact your sales representative.
Public Policy, Third Edition by Sara Rinfret et al. provides a comprehensive introduction of U.S. public policymaking not only through the description and explanation of its institutional systems and structures but also through making the material relatable on personal level. In particular, the “Policy Choices” section in each substantive chapter makes the material practical and engaging, despite the complexities surrounding these policy options and issues.
New Mexico State University
Review
Not only is this a solid academic text, but it resonates mightily with my students because our enrollment is predominantly female. When seeing themselves through these authors, my students feel empowered. For this and other reasons, this book fills an important void in academic scholarship.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
