The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Reshaping U.S. Public Policy: An Empirical Analysis

This article examines the expanding role of artificial intelligence in U.S. public policy through an analysis of federal agency adoption data, public opinion surveys, and three in-depth case studies. Drawing on interviews with 24 policy experts and a nationally representative survey of 2,400 adults, the study finds that AI adoption in government has grown by over 300% since 2020, while public trust in algorithmic decision-making has declined significantly. The analysis reveals systematic disparities in how AI-driven systems affect different demographic groups, particularly in criminal justice and healthcare allocation. The paper proposes a three-pillar governance framework - mandatory algorithmic impact assessments, participatory oversight mechanisms, and independent audit bodies - to address the growing accountability gap in algorithmic governance. of 2,400 adults, the study finds that AI adoption in government has grown by over 300% since 2020, while public trust in algorithmic decision-making has declined significantly. The analysis reveals systematic disparities in how AI-driven systems affect different demographic groups, particularly in criminal justice and healthcare allocation. The paper proposes a three-pillar governance framework - mandatory algorithmic impact assessments, participatory oversight mechanisms, and independent audit bodies - to address the growing accountability gap in algorithmic governance.