Which circumstance might cause the policy implementation stage to be overlooked?

The reason why a policy implementation stage might be overlooked when the new policy is largely symbolic relates to the understanding of how public policies are created and adopted. Symbolic policies are often designed more to signal a value or intention rather than to bring about tangible change or action. For example, a policy that serves primarily to address public concerns or demonstrate a commitment to a cause might be announced with great fanfare, but without concrete mechanisms for implementation or enforcement. In such cases, the focus tends to remain on the symbolic nature of the policy rather than on how it will be carried out, which can lead to the neglect of actual implementation strategies and processes.

In contrast, policies that require broader support, federal approval, or are under review typically have an established framework for their implementation, emphasizing the need for coordination and adherence to guidelines. These factors necessitate an approach to ensure that the policies are operationalized effectively, unlike policies that lack substantive action or resources to put them into effect. Thus, when a policy is mainly symbolic, it may not receive the attention it requires for successful implementation.