Public Policy

Public Policy is defined in legitimate terms as an action initiated by the government with a motive to address a public issue that is being of immediate concern. The development is pulled about by any form of government including city, state or federal based on the terms of laws, regulations, decisions and actions involved. A public policy mainly consists of three halves namely the problems, the players and the policy, in itself.

The concept was derived to regulate government’s measures based on regulatory decision that involves public representatives, law makers and the government body before it gets promulgated. And, the crux is that it is not only made by the legitimate body but hugely influenced by non-governmental players and sometimes those belonging to religious, cultural institutions make such policy in their favor.

Based on its divided parts, the problem refers to the issue itself that needs to be taken in concern of while the player could be an individual or a group which is influential in the deciding factor. The policy will finally be formed after briefly analyzing the issue, its root cause, possible solutions in hand and the suggestions made by individual personalities or legally recognized groups.

Public Policies are widely analyzed by professors across universities and studied by students to understand its importance in decision making. As issues addressed through public policies include education, crime, foreign policy, health, social welfare and much more, the outcome of it is the deciding factor which is submitted to influence from various elements before being declared official.

At times, groups with influential power tend to draw the policy towards their favor but with proper advocacy along with an extensive research into the issue would help avoid such misleading factors. Main motive of public policy is to educate the public with regard to the unsolved issue, seek legislative assistance and assign funds required to do the needful which is done by advocates.

From the viewpoint of an academic student, Public Policy plays a quintessential role in the field of Social Science including program evaluation, political economy, economics, sociology and much more. A graduate’s application of theory decides the outcome of governmental administration, management and operations. Policy analysis and approach differ with respect to topics in academic terms. Practicing Public Policy with assistance from advocacy will help betterment of the society by addressing various issues apart from helping general public regain lawful rights without heeding to dominant groups or religious institutions.

Questions:

• What did you understand by political policies?
• What are the chief factors affecting policy decisions?