A two-stage model of policymaking with an empirical test in the U.S. energy-policy domain

Abstract

Competing models of policymaking are integrated at a higher theoretical level into a two-stage model that distinguishes two different phases in the processes: the decision-taking phase and a prior phase in which significant actors interact to influence each other's policy positions. It is argued that these two phases are characterized by completely different power processes. The integrated two-stage model allows the positional power of all actors to be computed and the outcomes of policy processes to be predicted. To validate the model, the stepwise influence of the theoretically derived elements is tested in the U.S. energy-policy domain using data previously analyzed by Laumann and Knoke (1987). The model is shown to correctly predict six of the eight events analyzed. In addition, a quantitative contribution is made to the state autonomy debate.