Discussion: The politics of your policy issue

My public policy analysis topic is on inmate rehabilitation and recidivism. The goal of rehabilitation programs are to reduce recidivism by educating inmates and giving them the skills and tools they need to succeed back in society. (Mental health programs and requirements prior to release, programs on anger management, education for a skill, etc) There are several programs currently offered to inmates but are they effective enough to make a difference post-release? Data has shown it hasnt due to a large rate of inmates being arrested again.

Research Question: Does providing specialized programs improve inmate rehabilitation efforts and reduce the rate of recidivism?

Praxis, Chapter 1 lists four models of government that differ with regard to the distribution of power in society:

• Ideal democracy
• Representative democracy
• Interest group democracy (or pluralism), and
• Elitism

Consider your policy issue and reflect on what you already know or have observed about this issue,then for each of these four models, describe the extent to which policy making regarding your issue resembles each model. Provide examples to support your analysis.

(I attached the pages related to the above 4 models in the chapter o reference. Blue headings are the areas of focus. Also attached my initial policy issue paper for reference if needed)