Public policy

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This article is about government action. Policy, both public and private, is a broader concept.
The article on public policy doctrine discusses the use of the phrase 'public policy' in legal
doctrine. For other uses, see Public policy (disambiguation).

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 v·d·e
Public policy as government action is generally the principled guide to action taken by the
administrative or executive branches of the state with regard to a class of issues in a manner
consistent with law and institutional customs. In general, the foundation is the pertinent national
and subnational constitutional law and implementing legislation such as the US Federal code.
Further substrates include both judicial interpretations and regulations which are generally
authorized by legislation. [1] Other scholars define it as a system of "courses of action, regulatory
measures, laws, and funding priorities concerning a given topic promulgated by a governmental
entity or its representatives."[2] Public policy is commonly embodied "in constitutions, legislative
acts, and judicial decisions." [3]
In the United States, this concept refers not only to the end result of policies, but more broadly to
the decision-making and analysis of governmental decisions. As an academic discipline, public
policy is studied by professors and students at public policy schools of major universities
throughout the country. The U.S. professional association of public policy practitioners,
researchers, scholars, and students is the Association for Public Policy Analysis and
Management.

Contents
• 1 Government actions
• 2 As an academic discipline
• 3 See also
• 4 References
• 5 External links

[edit] Government actions

Shaping public policy is a complex and multifaceted process that involves the interplay of
numerous individuals and interest groups competing and collaborating to influence policymakers
to act in a particular way. These individuals and groups use a variety of tactics and tools to
advance their aims, including advocating their positions publicly, attempting to educate
supporters and opponents, and mobilizing allies on a particular issue.[4]
In this context, advocacy can be defined as attempting to influence public policy through
education, lobbying, or political pressure. Advocacy groups "often attempt to educate the general
public as well as public policy makers about the nature of problems, what legislation is needed to
address problems, and the funding required to provide services or conduct research. Although
advocacy is viewed as unseemly by some in the professional and research community, it is clear
that public policy priorities are influenced by advocacy. Sound research data can be used to
educate the public as well as policy makers, thereby improving the public policy process."[4]
[edit] As an academic discipline
Main article: Public policy school
As an academic discipline, public policy brings in elements of many social science fields and
concepts, including economics, sociology, political economy, program evaluation, policy
analysis, and public management, all as applied to problems of governmental administration,
management, and operations. At the same time, the study of public policy is distinct from
political science or economics, in its focus on the application of theory to practice. While the
majority of public policy degrees are master's and doctoral degrees, several universities also offer
undergraduate education in public policy.
Different policy schools tackle policy analysis differently. The Harris School of Public Policy
Studies at the University of Chicago has a more quantitative and economics approach to policy,
the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon uses computational and empirical methods, while the John
F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Trent Lott Public Policy
Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi have a more political science and leadership
based approach. The Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs provides
traditional public policy training with multidisciplinary concentrations available in the
environmental sciences and nonprofit management. The Frank Batten School of Leadership and
Public Policy offers a mix of experiential learning, leadership development, and policy analysis
in the DC area.[citation needed]
[edit] See also
• List of public policy topics by country
• List of public administration schools
• Mandate (politics)
• Overton window
[edit] References
1. ^ Wolf, Robert, "Definitions of Policy Analysis"
2. ^ Kilpatrick, Dean, "Definitions of Public Policy and Law"
3. ^ Schuster II, W. Michael, "For the Greater Good: The Use of Public Policy Considerations in
Confirming Chapter 11 Plans of Reorganization"
4. ^ a b Kilpatrick

[edit] External links

• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
• Harris School of Public Policy
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