In recent years, policy analysis has grown in number of practitioners and in reputation. At all levels of government and at every stage of the policy process, analytical studies of problems and evaluations of programs have become commonplace. "The World of the Policy Analyst" is detailed study of the policy analyst and their role in America's policymaking process. The authors advocate that policy analysts need to become more sensitive to the political, social, and ideological issues that operate in our government's policy process if they want their efforts to become more influential. The book's comprehensive coverage includes recent efforts to integrate values and analysis; explores the implications of increasing fragmentation in the political system and the growing influence of think tanks at the national and state levels; and identifies the challenges posed by the rapidity of scientific and technological change.

As the cultural diversity of the United States continues to increase, the issues surrounding multiculturalism continue to be of great importance. With updates throughout and a fresh, new design, the Fourth Edition of American Ways retains its values-based perspective in examining what makes the U.S. unique -- and how traditional values influence various aspects of American life such as religion, business, government, race relations, education, recreation, and family. Features Includes enhanced focus on critical thinking, including assessing information, comparing alternative points of view, identifying potential problems and solutions, and being a questioning reader. Provides more explicit development of reading skills (skimming, scanning, predicting, and understanding main ideas and details). Features an expanded writing section (identifying and organizing academic information into main ideas and supporting details, often preceded by discussion, research, and completion of graphic organizers). Incorporates many new sources, poll data, and information on challenges such as rising national debt, gun violence, and immigration reform.