Part I Introduction 1.The Need for Better Theories, Paul A. Sabatier Part II Alternative Views of the Role of Rationality in the Policy Process 2.Institutional Rational Choice: An Assessment of the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework, Elinor Ostrom 3.The Multiple Streams Framework: Structure, Limitations, Prospects, Nikolaos Zahariadis 4.Social Construction and Policy Design, Helen Ingram, Anne L. Schneider, and Peter deLeon Part III Policy Networks and Subsystems: Change Over Time 5.The Network Approach, Silke Adam and Hanspeter Kriesi 6.Punctuated-Equilibrium Theory: Explaining Stability and Change in Public Policymaking, James L. True, Bryan D. Jones, and Frank R. Baumgartner 7.The Advocacy Coalition Framework: Innovations and Clarifications, Paul A. Sabatier and Christopher M. Weible Part IV Frameworks Comparing Policies Across a Large Number of Political Systems 8.Innovation and Diffusion Models in Policy Research, Frances Stokes Berry and William D. Berry 9.The Policy Process and Large-N Comparative Studies,William Blomquist Part V Conclusions 10. A Comparison of Frameworks, Theories, and Models of Policy Processes, Edella Schlager 11. Fostering the Development of Policy Theory, Paul A. Sabatier Index