The Limits of Policy Change: Incrementalism, Worldview, and the Rule of Law

Hayes, professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at Colgate University, offers a vigorous defense of incrementalism, the theory that the policymaking process should involve bargaining, delay, compromise, and incremental change. He argues that incrementalism is one result of a checks-and-balances system in which politicians may disagree over what is to be achieved as a nation or what policies would best achieve shared goals. He develops political typologies and analyzes case studies to show that the policy process works best when it conforms to the tenets of incrementalism. Of interests to students and specialists in politics, public policy, and public administration. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)