This book is a study of the processes through which educational policies are formulated, adopted, and implemented at the national level of government. In particular, the author focuses his attention on policies affecting the programs administered by the U.S. Office of Education during the term of the 90th Congress (1967-68). Although the author's primary concern is with the policy-making process, he does attempt to assess the probable consequences of specific actions without passing judgment on their wisdom. Throughout the book, the author attempts to maintain an empirical, rather than normative, stance toward the policies he discusses. (Author/JG)