The effects of government growth are many. First, government policies affect most of what people do every day. Second, government growth has led to an entire occupational sector. Not only are governments at all levels major employers, but also their buying power has a substantial impact on numerous economic sectors that rely on government programs and spending. Third, the scope of government increases the likelihood of conflicting public policies and greater difficulty in addressing society's problems. Fourth, policymaking in a large, complex government organization takes more time and effort - to analyze problems, discuss alternatives, decide on solutions, and implement programs - than in a smaller entity. When such efforts cannot succeed, the result is policy stalemate or gridlock, a phenomenon that has become common over the past twenty years, and students of public policy should understand its causes and consequences.