The development of public policies: a theoretical review

5th Latin American Congress of Social Sciences "HUMANITY FACING THE CHALLENGES OF DECADENT CAPITALISM", Panel: Hard Governments, Weak Institutions. The elaboration of public policies: a theoretical review Bernabé Lugo Neria1 Abstract: One of the questions commonly asked by those interested in the study of policy sciences is how public policies are elaborated. Under this question, this paper proposes to review the different theoretical frameworks that offer an answer to this question. As a starting point, the two theoretical models that offer extreme positions are discussed and studied: the rational model and the incremental model. Undoubtedly, these two visions are the starting point and reference in policy design. Subsequently, intermediate models are reviewed that consider policy making without committing to the linear and detail-oriented positions of the rational model but neither to the flexible and non-innovative positions of the incremental model. Finally, a model of public policy making is discussed, emphasizing citizen participation as a key element in the design process.