. In the role of policy analyst you are to provide the necessary information and support for a single course of action. The topic or issue considered should be narrowly defined. You may find pending bills or a policy adopted in another state provides an appropriate level of specificity to aid your focused analysis and drafting of the memo. Research how three different states approach the policy. Understand the arguments on both sides of the issue using legislative committee analysis, legislative proceedings, expert interview, interest group literature or scholarly articles as appropriate. Additionally, do background research on the issue stances of the politician you are advising, the nature of those they are representing and potential opposition to the policy that exists or might emerge. The written policy memo should include the following components: -An executive summary that encapsulates the argument(s) and recommendation(s) of the memo. -A brief introduction and description of the problem and the policy proposal identified to address it. -A comparison and contrast of how three different states approach the policy issue and explanations for why the variation exists. -A review of proposals and summary of the arguments for and against your specific proposal. -A proposed solution and rationale for it as the chosen option. -An assessment of what steps are necessary for action, what obstacles exist, the level of urgency for action and the political realities that may influence success.
