Passing the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program Bill: A Case Study Applying Theories of Policy Change

Abstract

The Advocacy Coalition Framework, while aptly explains change in the public policy process, fails to answer the Lasswellian question about the benefits and losses of policy change. The Social Construction Framework answers this question, but neglects to comprehensively conceptualize subsystems and institutions in the policy process. This micro-level case study applies these frameworks to analyze the passage of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program Bill. Results of this study suggest an incremental shift from previous legislation, but a radical shift comes with the inclusion of “Northern Everglades.” Together, the frameworks capture this radical, non-incremental policy change with major implications for the (1) geographic boundary and political scope of future Everglades and water policies in Florida, and (2) implementation and policy outcomes of this new legislation. The article concludes with limitations and recommendations for future research.