Does Policy Analysis Matter?

Book excerpt: Just how well can democracy incorporate knowledge and expertise through public policy analysts? This book examines the evolution of policy analysis, its use in legislative and regulatory bodies, and its use within the federal executive branch to improve governmental services. As Friedman and his colleagues show, policy analysis is not a panacea, but it generates net social benefits. The essays consider whether policy analysis is only effective when it complements democratic decision-making and whether it improves policy outcomes by fostering better use of evidence in considering alternatives.