Subject Guides
Hot Research Topics & Controversial Issues: Policy & Topic Analysis
Guide Contents
STARTING POINTS
- Policy ArchiveComprehensive source of research from foundation, government and think tank sources
- Public Policy Issues & GroupsA-Z list.
- Vote Smart: Special Research GroupsSearch for SIGs or Think Tanks by state or issue.
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE REPORTS
CRS is a nonpartisan analytical, research, and reference arm of Congress. It serves Congress by providing comprehensive and reliable legislative research and analysis. Included on this website are written products tailored to specific issues requiring information, analysis, or legal interpretation.
- ProQuest Congressional1916 - 2003. To find CRS reports, go to Advanced Search, and then use the LIMIT options to limit to "CRS Reports."
- UNT Libraries CRS Reports Collection1990- ongoing, selected reports.
LOCATING POLICY GROUPS & THINK TANKS
- Center for Study of Responsive Law
Nonprofit Ralph Nader-founded organization that studies a variety of political, economic, and social issues relevant to the citizen-consumer.
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Non-partisan research institute which works at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low and moderate income families and individuals.
- Common Cause
Nonpartisan nonprofit advocacy organization founded as a "vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process and to hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest."
- Economic Policy Institute
Nonprofit nonpartisan organization that focuses on the economic condition of low- and middle-income Americans. It "conducts original research on economic issues, makes policy recommendations based on its findings."
- Educause
Nonprofit group that seeks to better higher education through the intelligent use of technology.
- Global Policy Forum
GPF monitors international policy making at the United Nations, covering social and economic policies of a global nature.
- Kaiser Family Foundation
Provides access to surveys, research reports, Congressional testimonies, fact sheets, press releases, and issue briefs related to health and health care issues back to 1994.
- Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
Reports and statements involvement the use, taxation, and development of land.
- National Academy of Public Administration
Independent nonpartisan organization chartered by Congress to assist federal, state, and local governments to improve their effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.
- National League of Cities
Oldest and largest national organization representing municipal government in the US. Provides research reports on policy issues facing metropolitan areas.
- Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government
The public policy research arm of the State University of New York, the Institute "conducts research on the role of state and local governments in American federalism and on the management and finances of states and localities."
- Public Agenda Online
Research organization that provides non-partisan reporting on public opinion and public policy issues.
- Rand Corporation
Researches and reports on a number of domestic and international issues, ranging from education, health, population, aging, infrastructure, workforce, substance abuse and more.
- Stateline.org
Independent element of the Pew Research Center, it publishes weekly news articles and research reports on all state governments and public policy issues.
- United States Conference of Mayors
Official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. Web site contains legislative information, policy statements, resolutions passed, press releases, and more.
- Urban Institute
Researches and reports on issues and challenges facing America's cities. Reports are written for policymakers, program administrators, and academics.
LOCATING POLITICAL THINK TANKS
Think tanks with a self-described political leaning.
- American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
Dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics, and social welfare. Neoconservative in leaning.
- American Legislative Exchange Council
A group that seeks to influence state policy by offering sample legislation, often conservative in nature, on a variety of issues.
- Brookings Institution
Centrist think tank focused on policy issues around economics, foreign policy, and governance.
- Cato Institute
Libertarian think tank that researches a wide variety of policy topics.
- Center for American Progress
Progressive think tank that offers research and issue papers on a wide variety of issues.
- Center for Economic and Policy Research
Liberal nonprofit think tank dedicated to a "democratic debate on the most important economic and social issues that affect people's lives."
- Foreign Policy in Focus
A liberal think tank focused on foreign policy issues that provides commentary and research-based articles on a variety of topics.
- Heritage Foundation
Conservative think tank that advocates in the areas of economics, law and foreign policy.
- National Center for Policy Analysis
Public policy research organization with a conservative lean.
