The author uses Anthony Downs' Issue Attention Cycle to analyze the rise and decline of attention to the dumping of sewage, sludge, and industrial waste into the ocean. Through the lens of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, the author finds that although Downs' model explains the rise and decline in policy attention in part, much greater emphasis should be put on public opinion.
For decades, political scientists have and continue to theorize about influences on presidential decision-making and policy implementation. Faith and religious analysis however, remain relatively new to the study of presidential politics. This particular research examines two Republican presidents, both Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, that had vastly different ideas about how to combat nations whose policies limited freedom and liberty.
To what extent does religion influence policy making, or should it at all? Wherein should the mention of a deity be brought into political discussion? Looking at key events from the past several decades, the author finds that policies have influenced Catholic behaviors as they become ever more socially conservative; this research also seeks to address where the fundamental point in history is when Catholics adopted these views.
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