Describe the ways in which a potential policy problem is made known to government.

Select any four of the following questions to answer. Drawing on your readings , write a 2-3 page response for each question. 1. The Canadian Constitution delineates the responsibilities and authority of the federal and provincial governments with respect to health care. Since the Constitution was enacted, health care costs continually increased, and the federal and provincial governments eventually had to agree to jointly fund a number of health programs. Describe two of these programs and explain their impact on health care in the country. 2. In Chapter 1 of the Pal textbook, the author defines policy analysis as the “disciplined application of intellect to public problems” (p. 14). Why is it important to practise policy analysis? 3. “Problem definition” is seen to be a key first step in the public policy cycle. Describe the ways in which a potential policy problem is made known to government. 4. In Chapter 2 of the Pal textbook, the author suggests that the political culture in Canada is “participatory.” Various institutions and groups of individuals influence public policy; there are other influences at play, as well. Which do you believe are the three most important sources of influence on Canadian public policy? On what basis do you choose these three? 5. Decision making is seen by many members of the public as a straightforward and fairly linear process. There have been different models developed to describe decision making. Based on the material covered in Units 1 to 4, how do you think decision making in the real world of health care reflects, or differs from, these models?