This textbook uses modern political economy to introduce students of political science government economics and public policy to the politics of the policymaking process The book s distinct political economy approach has two virtues By developing general principles for thinking about policymaking it can be applied across a range of issue areas It also unifies the policy curriculum offering coherence to standard methods for teaching economics and statistics and drawing connections between fields The book begins by exploring the normative foundations of policymaking political theory social choice theory and the Paretian and utilitarian underpinnings of policy analysis It then introduces game theoretic models of social dilemmas externalities coordination problems and commitment problems that create opportunities for policy to improve social welfare Finally it shows how the political process creates technological and incentive constraints on government that shape policy outcomes Throughout concepts and models are illustrated and reinforced with discussions of empirical evidence and case studies This textbook is essential for all students of public policy and for anyone interested in the most current methods influencing policymaking today Comprehensive approach to politics and policy suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate studentsModels unify policy curriculum through methodological coherence Exercises at the end of every chapterSelf contained appendices cover necessary game theoryExtensive discussion of cases and applications