Government policy is the system of laws, regulations and courses of action promulgated by a governmental entity. This can take many forms, from regulating industry to subsidizing research, and it can be applied to any aspect of the economy, including taxation, education, immigration, or foreign relations. The policies implemented by a government affect not only the economic activity of individuals and organizations but also influence social trends in a country or region. Policymakers are responsible for ensuring that these decisions are both efficient and effective.
The study of government policy has become a scholarly field in its own right. It is important to note that despite the popular focus on breakthrough statutes like Medicare and Apollo, most of government’s greatest endeavors were actually made up of multiple smaller initiatives that took a long time to pass.
Moreover, the study of government policy has emphasized that it is not just an arena for political leaders but involves a much wider set of social and organizational structures and players influencing policy making processes. Policy makers are often shaped by the politics of their era, the ideology of their advisors, the publics mood, and the structure of the government itself.
In addition, a good policy must be capable of overcoming resistance from the people it affects. This can be accomplished through a combination of three key steps:
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