PolicySite is a tool that can be used in different ways depending on your familiarity with the issues and the policy process. For suggestions on using the site, click on the appropriate level of familiarity from the list below:
 | Policy novices who want to explore and research a topic, but whose prior knowledge is limited, and who is not sure where to begin; |
| Policy dabblers who are familiar with topics and want to dig deeper; |
| Policy junkies who want a convenient way to keep up with an issue without having to surf multiple organizational sites to find new postings. |
PolicySite's objective is to provide easy access to a wide selection of information available without charge over the internet about the federal budget, Social Security, Medicare, and tax policy. The materials are provided by government agencies, congressional committees and organizations, academic institutions and non-profit policy research organizations ("think tanks"), and the media. The links are chosen because they are relevant to the current debate (that is, they contain critical information or embody major points of view that are part of the active debate), and they are written at a level that is accessible to a non-expert audience. Although some of the materials convey clear points of view or policy preferences, they come from credible sources and present accurate information.
The Study is oriented to students (of any age) and educators who are studying specific topics or who are looking for materials to incorporate into a course of study.
Technical Tips provides information for viewing information contained on the PolicySite website.
PolicySite can be used to learn more about how the policy process works. It is organized by major topic (Federal Budget, Social Security, Medicare, and Tax Policy). Each topic page contains links to background information, quick summaries of major issues and policy choices that are currently under debate, and links to key documents. PolicySite's Glossary page provides brief definitions of technical terms. Starting with the topic homepage:
| Use the Background section to get an overview of the topic, including basic facts and information about how the program or process works, and to find an extensive listing of related documents and resources.. |
| Use the Current Debate section to explore significant issues, to find access to a representative array of viewpoints, and to find out about and follow the progress of major legislation. |
| Use the Documents listing to go directly recently-released documents from
the executive and legislative branches.
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PolicySite can be used as a starting point for getting behind the media headlines and news reports. It provides access to the documents, data, research, and position papers that underpin the public debate. Starting with the topic homepage:
| Use the Background section to find current statistics and information. |
| Use the Current Debate sections to keep up on major issues and to see links to new studies, analyses, and data. |
| Use the Documents listing to find recently-released materials from the executive and legislative branches. |
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PolicySite consolidates web-based information by major topic in one convenient location, making it easier to find relevant documents with a minimum amount of surfing through the sites of multiple organizations. PolicySite promotes access to competing viewpoints and positions rather than seeking to impose its own policy views on its users. Links are selected because they frame the debate. Obviously, PolicySite does not link to all related materials. Instead, we expect users will start with the links we have selected, then explore on their own.
Feedback from users is not only welcomed, but actively solicited. It helps to keep the site up to date and to avoid omission of important perspectives and information.
| Adobe® Acrobat® Reader ™: Many of the documents on the web required
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader ™ to view and print Adobe portable document
format (PDF)  files. You can download a free version
from Adobe by
clicking on the link and following the instructions. | ||||
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an audio or visual link. To listen to them, you need a
media player. Access free downloads of these products by clicking on
the links below:
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