Government policy is the broader area of laws, regulations and court decisions that govern our daily lives. It’s a complex area, and many citizens attempt to influence it by voting for candidates and political parties. This is one way to affect public policy, but it can also be difficult because politicians and political parties come and go, while the policies they create may remain in place for decades. Rather, it’s often better to focus on specific policy areas that affect all citizens in similar ways, such as educating people about climate change, or improving the quality of health care for all.
The policy process can be formal or informal, encompassing written policies and guidelines and the unwritten practices, traditions and norms that shape the culture of governmental institutions. Formal policy can be a legal document such as a law or regulation, or it could be an action or plan by a government official, including the setting of budgets or allocation of funds.
Policy makers are charged with identifying problems that require attention, and this is known as agenda setting. Policy makers use a variety of methods, ranging from scientific measurements to social analysis. They are also influenced by the values, customs and beliefs of the societies in which they operate, a process known as ideology setting.
Policies can be reactive, responding to immediate issues such as crises or social movements. They can also be proactive, aimed at preventing future problems before they occur. The success of a policy is typically measured by its impact on society and economic stability, as well as public satisfaction.