What is Public Policy?
A public policy is a plan of action, adopted by an individual, group, company or any level (federal, state, local) or branch of government to address the needs of the public it serves or its citizens.
A public policy is set up to encourage or discourage certain behaviors or activities in its citizens. Some examples are anti-bullying laws, car pollution regulations, small business tax incentives, early childhood programs, women's rights etc. Public policy goals can be met by a new program being created or a law passed or a judicial decision is made about how a law is interpreted. Some policies set up regulations or limitations on some groups and other policies may give incentives to groups. A public policy usually includes a statement about a problem, the purpose of the action or policy agenda, goals and means for achieving those goals. Good policies are implemented and evaluated regularly for their effectiveness. |
Public policies can address a variety of problems such as:
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Some Types of Public Policy
Regulatory
Goal- To maintain order & prohibit bad behaviors. Examples- Voting procedures, traffic laws, driving age, drinking age, food & drug regulations- what ingredients are allowed or legal, equal employment practices. |
Distributive/ Incentives
Goal- To give benefits and encourage certain behaviors or activities. Examples- Farm subsidies to promote economy, Tax breaks to promote housing industry or small businesses, low in-state college tuition costs to promote keeping skilled workers in the state, early childhood and after school programs. |
Re-distributive
Goal- To promote equality by re-distributing wealth from 1 group to another. Examples- Welfare programs, Progressive taxation (the more you make, the more taxes you pay). |
Security
Goal- To maintain peace Examples- Department of Homeland Security; airport security TSA regulations. |
Programs created from Public Policy decisions-
http://funding-programs.idilogic.aidpage.com/
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Who can make public policies?
Find out how YOU can help make or change public policy in the next station...
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