Government Publications for Policy Analysis
Government agencies put out reports that analyze various laws, policies, and programs. These can be very useful in understanding how a policy has impacted citizens. This page includes info on CRS reports, which need to be used in your mini policy analysis paper.
Congressional Research Service Reports
In response to requests from Congress, the Congressional Research Service issues publications that include background studies, pro/con arguments, policy/legislative analysis and legislative histories on subjects of interest to Congress.
- CRS Reports
- Every CRS Report
- Congressional Research Service-Federation of American Scientists
Click the Search link at the top and enter "crs" AND your topic. Also, many relevant reports will be listed on the "Miscellaneous Topics" page.
Formatting CRS Reports
Reference with Author:
Sacco, L. (2015, May 26). Violence Against Women Act: Overview, legislation, and federal funding (CRS Report No. R42499). https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42499.pdf
In-text with Author:
(Sacco, 2015) or
Sacco (2015) stated that...
Reference without Author:
Congressional Research Service. (2015, May 26). Violence Against Women Act: Overview, legislation, and federal funding (CRS Report No. R42499). https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R42499.html
In-text without Author:
(Congressional Research Service, 2015) or
Congressional Research Service (2015) stated that....
TIP: Using Government Hearings
HELPFUL TIP: Try searching for Congressional Hearings post-enactment of your public law. These hearings, sometimes called "oversight" hearings provide Congress with information regarding implementation, problems and solutions. Use Congressional Publications: Select only Hearings from the facets on the left and enter the title of your law or keywords in the search box; adjust the dates covered range as well. Search example: (oversight or implementation) AND "energy policy act of 2005"
Government Analysis/ Research Reports
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)The GAO supports the work of Congress by performing audits and evaluations of government programs and activities. See the Reports and Testimonies tab.
- Congressional Budget OfficeThe CBO provides objective, nonpartisan economic analyses of pending legislation. Under "Topics", you can browse by subject.
- Homeland Security Digital LibraryOn landing page, enter your search terms, and select CRS reports from pulldown menu on the right.
- CRS-Federation of American ScientistsSearchable source of CRS reports-Enter "crs and your topic." Also, many relevant reports will be listed on the "Miscellaneous Topics" page.
- CRS-University of North Texas LibrariesAnother searchable collection of Congressional Research Service Reports. We also have a microfilm collection of CRS reports-in the Library Catalog, enter the terms "congressional research service and your topic."
- Catalog of Government Publications"This official source is the online counterpart to the Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications. It covers electronic and print publications from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the U.S. government beginning with 1976." Useful for finding reports produced by federal departments and agencies charged with implementing a policy.
