Problem: The authors identify "focusing events" as catastrophic events that elevate a public problem to the top of the public policy agenda and require policy makers to act. They provide the example of COVID-19 as a focusing event. "Religion and Reactance to COVID-19 Mitigation Guidelines" discusses the impact of religion on adherence to government-imposed restrictions. Some claimed that restrictions on religious gatherings and services violated a person's freedom of religion.
In your discussion response, please consider two steps in the Stages Heuristic Model of Public Policy: 1) policy formulation and 2) policy legitimation. Offer insight into what alternatives the federal government might have considered in developing a solution and what expertise the government might have sought. Identify groups that could have been involved in the policy process. What policy tools does the federal government utilize to convince or incentivize compliance? Was the action taken appropriate? Need Assignment Help?