Macro vs. Micro Implementation
This type of implementation occurs at the national, structural level of policymaking.
What is macro-implementation?
This branch writes budgets and can shape implementation through funding decisions.
What is Congress?
These government bodies include cabinet-level departments like State or Defense.
What are executive departments?
This process involves agencies creating detailed rules to carry out legislation.
What is rulemaking?
This technique uses communication, education, or persuasion—not force.
What are noncoercive forms of action?
This term refers to the gap between a policy’s stated goals and the actual results.
What is policy slippage?
This actor influences implementation through executive orders and appointments.
Who is the President?
This type of agency is politically insulated and run by commissioners with fixed terms.
What are independent regulatory commissions?
This agency role involves resolving disputes or making case-by-case decisions.
What is adjudication?
These financial tools encourage or discourage specific behaviors.
What are economic incentives?
This type of implementation focuses on street-level bureaucrats and local agencies.
What is micro-implementation?
These groups advocate for or against policy implementation using lobbying or public pressure.
What are interest groups?
These entities operate like businesses—for example, USPS or Amtrak.
What are government corporations?
These activities involve putting statutes and rules into action through daily operations.
What are program operations?
This technique focuses on training, resources, and improving administrative ability.
What is capacity building?
These workers—like social workers and police officers—shape micro-level outcomes.
Who are street-level bureaucrats?
This actor evaluates the legality of implementation through judicial review.
What are the courts?
These agencies report directly to the President but are not part of cabinet departments.
What are independent agencies?
This agency function involves enforcing laws and ensuring compliance.
What is law enforcement?
These appeals try to influence behavior based on values, civic duty, or patriotism.
What are hortatory appeals?
This is one key reason macro-implementation struggles when passed down to micro-level agencies.
What is unclear guidance or conflicting directives?
These organizations can play a major role in implementing local programs and services.
What are community organizations?
This term refers to the structure and hierarchy through which agencies carry out programs.
What is administrative organization?
Through this broad role, bureaucrats effectively “make” policy by interpreting statutes.
What is administrative policymaking?
Licensing, sanctions, and rewards fall under this technique.
What are authoritative regulations?