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Rulemaking Pursuing a Policy Agenda

Title

Rulemaking Pursuing a Policy Agenda

Author

Waterman, Richard W.

Research Area

Social Institutions

Topic

Government Systems

Abstract

Rulemaking is a difficult process that involves interpreting legislation, often vaguely written, by legislators into formal rules of action for bureaucratic implementation. The process is highly political and often confrontational, with varied interests attempting to influence the behavior of the bureaucratic experts involved in writing rules, regulations, and setting standards. The end result is often delay, during which time the bureaucracy gets the blame. Even under the best of circumstances, however, rulemaking is a difficult process.