Public Policy Flashcards, test questions and answers

Discover flashcards, test exam answers, and assignments to help you learn more about Public Policy and other subjects. Don’t miss the chance to use them for more effective college education. Use our database of questions and answers on Public Policy and get quick solutions for your test.

What is Public Policy?

Public policy is the set of laws, regulations and government programs established to address public issues and shape society in a certain direction. It is a tool by which governments can influence, limit or otherwise direct citizens’ behavior and choices. Public policy can be implemented through legislation, regulation or executive action. Public policy has been used to address a wide range of issues from social welfare to economic development to international relations.Public policy serves as the cornerstone for many aspects of society, providing guidance on how best to promote the public good while also protecting individual rights and liberties. Through public policy, governments can promote positive change within their societies by setting standards for acceptable behavior, encouraging necessary services such as health care and education, providing resources for those in need and addressing pressing social problems such as poverty, violence and environmental degradation.Public policies are often controversial because they involve trade-offs between competing interests in society balancing the needs of individuals against collective goals; private sector versus public sector; short-term versus long-term interests. Consequently, developing successful public policies requires careful consideration of evidence-based solutions that consider various perspectives while being mindful of potential unintended consequences. Ultimately however, effective public policies should strive to promote both justice and prosperity within a nation.