Final answer:
The media and elections play important roles in the formation of the policy agenda, while congressional committees and executive orders are crucial in the enactment of public policy. Bureaucratic discretion and issue networks/iron triangles are essential in the implementation of public policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
(a) Importance of media and elections in the formation of the policy agenda:
1. Media: The media plays a crucial role in shaping the policy agenda by highlighting important issues and bringing them to the public's attention. For example, if the media extensively covers a particular problem such as climate change, it can influence policymakers to prioritize it in the policy agenda.
2. Elections: Elections are important in the formation of the policy agenda because they allow citizens to voice their preferences and elect representatives who align with their policy priorities. During election campaigns, candidates discuss their policy proposals, and those that resonate with voters are more likely to be included in the policy agenda.
(b) Roles of congressional committees and executive orders in the enactment of public policy:
1. Congressional committees: Congressional committees are responsible for reviewing and amending proposed policies before they can be enacted into law. They hold hearings, gather expert testimony, and make recommendations, ensuring that policies are well-thought-out and reflect diverse perspectives.
2. Executive orders: The president can use executive orders to bypass the legislative process and implement policies directly. Executive orders allow for swift action on urgent matters, but they are subject to legal challenges and can be overturned by future administrations.
(c) Importance of bureaucratic discretion and issue networks/iron triangles in the implementation of public policy:
1. Bureaucratic discretion: Bureaucratic discretion refers to the authority given to government agencies to interpret and apply policies according to their own judgment. It is important because it allows agencies to adapt policies to local conditions, ensuring effective implementation.
2. Issue networks/iron triangles: Issue networks or iron triangles are informal alliances between interest groups, policymakers, and bureaucratic agencies focused on a particular issue. They are important in implementation as they facilitate coordination, information exchange, and influence, ensuring that policies are effectively carried out.