ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book follows policy-making process, which is roughly analogous to the stimulus-response model, adapted as statements, actions, and results. It compares actor roles as rival explanations to the president in the policy process. The book examines four cases in some detail, two legislative and two executive ones. It covers all aspects of policy statements, actions, and results, thereby more fully explicating the entire process of policy making. The book summarizes presidential statements and actions by presidents individually, by political party, and across policy stages. The impact of the Ronald Reagan-George Bush statements and actions was considerable. Government probably has been more important in civil rights than outside agents. All the national institutions—;;Congress, judiciary, bureaucrats, and presidents—;;have played important roles in shaping civil rights policy outcomes. The book considers the current impact of public opinion generally and on three subissues of civil rights.
