Washington DC’s Gun Policy, Essay Example

A policy formulation exercise takes into consideration technocratic mechanisms aimed at achieving objective regulations (Smith 7). Every policy-making institution in the US employs substantial level of policymaking mechanisms in their operations. In this regard, policy formulation entails adoption of one or several policy-making models observed in political situations. These models contain characteristic qualities that determine the nature of policy regulations obtained. In this context, we will consider the case of Washington DC’s gun policy in order to appraise employment of the eight politics model in policy formulation.

In Washington, gun policy is under deliberative court procedures with respect to the process of Second Amendments. Washington DC is among the 43 states in the US with a strong support of individual rights concerning possession of firearms (Krum, Starbucks Newsroom). The courts of this state are split between a decision concerning public security and that of individual rights as emphasized in the constitution. Those proposing freedom of possessing guns projects their arguments to the needs for self-defense. On the other hand, the stakeholders against gun possession are concerned with effects resulting from infiltration of weapons in the society. Starbucks operates numerous joints in Washington DC. In this context, Starbucks allows possession of unconcealed weapons in its premises. This sparked varied outcries from those opposing the move to allow guns in public. Based on the institutional policy model, Washington’s state authorities exercise its institutional power in allowing deliberations for possession of guns in public premises. On the other hand, the process model is trying to consider all the elements of security and constitutionalism is contemplating the second amendment (Smith, 23). In regards to process model, Starbucks allows its customers to enter their stores with guns after evaluating the policy with respect to constitutional rights. Rational model of policy making acknowledges the Starbucks’ gun policy as favoring majority of Washington residents. Based on a rational analysis, it would be improper to deny majority of the state residents to exercise their constitutional right to possess licensed guns in public premises. With respect to group theory, Starbucks, Washington DC’s Starbucks created a compromise between those for and those against gun possession in their coffee shops. In this regard, Starbucks encourage customers in possession of guns to conceal their weapons. On the other hand, the restaurant’s management tries to convince those against guns to consider allowing other citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.

In the context of elite model, the affluent and powerful members of the society in Washington advocate for the free guns possession in public places. In this case affluent customers of Starbucks shops exercise their power by possessing unconcealed weapons while taking coffee. Incremental model aims at solving as many problems as possible (Kay, 41). In this case, those pushing for possession of guns in public give security concerns as their main reason. In this case, those advocating for the gun culture in the second amendment in Washington consider individual security in their societies. Game theory combined all the appropriate strategies that would give the best results. In this case, policy makers at the second amendment deliberations consider allowing possession of licensed guns in Washington. Finally, systems theory is applicable in comprehending Washington’s second amendment policy based on natural forces within the subject societies. A system functions almost automatically in responding to its needs (Smith 39). In this regard, those fighting for gun ownership in Washington respond to their social rights for personal security.

Works Cited

Kay Adrian. The Dynamics of Public Policy: Dynamics and Evidence. Pittsburg: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2010. Print.

Smith, John. Public Policy Theories, Models and Concepts: An Anthology. California: Prentice Hall, 2010. Print.

Krum, Stacey. Starbucks Newsroom. Starbucks Position on Open Carry Gun Laws. Posted March 03, 2010. Web < http://news.starbucks.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=332>

The Maryland Coalition of Police and Deputy Sheriffs. Washington DC Gun Laws are focus of Supreme Court. Web <http://www.thriftywebsites.us/mcops/News/news08/mar08/dcgunlaw.htm>