What does 'claimsmaking' require in policy development?

• A. Government agencies decide needs without public input
• B. Claimsmakers must present a claim that resources should be allocated to meet a recognized need
• C. Policies are implemented without community involvement
• D. No recognized need is required

Answer: (B)

Claimsmaking in policy development is about turning a condition into a public problem that requires action. Claimsmakers—such as advocates, experts, interest groups, or media—present a claim that resources should be allocated to meet a recognized need. They justify why a policy remedy is warranted and marshal data, stories, and framing to persuade policymakers and the public that the issue is real, solvable, and worth funding. This emphasis on articulating a legitimate need and arguing for resource allocation is what sets claimmaking apart, rather than simply noting a problem or assuming agencies decide without input or that there is no recognized need.