36th Annual Student Research Conference
Campaign Finance and Models of Public Policy: Analysis of the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act of 2002
Darren M. McKenzie
Dr. Randy Hagerty, Faculty Mentor
This paper analyzes the policy-making stages of the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 from a model-based approach. While the agenda setting and policy evaluation stages are reviewed, the model-based approach applies to two stages. Specifically, John Kingdon’s (1984) “Policy Streams” model and my own “Problem Dam” model are analyzed via how applicable their assumptions are to the BCRA’s formulation and implementation, respectively. In each of these sections, the assumptions of the model are outlined, how the details of the BCRA apply to such models, and an analysis into the strengths and weaknesses of the model are reviewed based on their applicability. In doing so, a broader conclusion can be reached as to how useful it is to conduct a model-based approach to analyzing public policy as well as what action should be taken by decision-makers and those in the broader political community when creating future policy.
Keywords: Campaign finance, Policy analysis, Model-based approach
Topic(s):Political Science
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 309-3
Location: MG 1098
Time: 1:45