Materials for teachers 6.1: Illustration of the policy cycle model – how can we reduce the number of car accidents?

Living Democracy » Textbooks » Taking part in democracy » Part 2 – Taking part in politics: settling conflict, solving problems » Unit 6: Government and politics » Materials for teachers 6.1: Illustration of the policy cycle model – how can we reduce the number of car accidents?

Concepts and key questions	Notes
0. Topic What is the issue?	How can we reduce the number of car accidents?
1. Problem Who sets the agenda? What is the problem? Do all protagonists agree in their definition of the problem?	Minister of the Interior: more accidents. Young drivers – inexperienced, reckless. Males of all ages – too much alcohol. Motorists’ club: more cars on the road; taxes not used for improving road network. Environmentalists: CO₂-emissions rising, oil supplies running out and becoming more expensive – support alternatives to car transport.
2. Debate Who is involved? What are the protagonists’ interests and values?	Everyone agrees on reducing car accidents. But there are different interests and goals involved in the debate: Minister wants to put pressure on reckless drivers. Motorists want better conditions for car drivers. Environmentalists are worried about global warming.
3. Decision What is the outcome? Have certain interests been given priority – or is it a compromise decision?	The government decides to introduce two bills: Heavier fines for speeding, lower alcohol limits; more traffic controls. Four-lane highways are to be standard within five years.
4. Implementation How is the decision implemented? Who is involved or responsible? Are there problems or conflicts?	More traffic controls, particularly in the evenings and at weekends. Highway extension and improvement scheme is scheduled, first roads under construction.
5. Opinions Which individuals, protagonists, groups, etc. support or criticise the outcome? What are their values, ideologies and interests?	Motorists welcome construction scheme, question controls (more fines – more funds?) Environmentalists deeply disappointed. Demonstrations in the capital. Discussion: found a new green party?
6. Reactions How do they react? (Individually, collectively) What are their means of exercising power and pressure?	Environmentalists hold demonstrations in the capital. Discussion: found a new green party? Truck drivers complain of delays on highways. Minister reports 15% drop in accident figures within 12 months – maintains that success proves his policy right.
7. New problem or Policy termination Does a new debate begin on setting the political agenda? Is it the same problem or a new one that is under discussion? Or has the decision led to a solution that ends the process?	Minister: no new steps need to be taken. Observe development, discuss situation in 12 months. Environmentalists: alarming rise in CO₂ emissions. Complaints by beer brewers: sales drop by 10%. Jobs at stake. Industry demands speeding up of road construction scheme. …

Lesson 5: Feedback session (optional)

Materials for teachers 6.2: Key statements on the policy cycle model

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