Government policy encompasses all laws, regulations, and decisions a government institution may make about a particular political problem. It’s difficult to find a pragmatic definition of policy, but scholars generally agree that it refers to “a course of action for dealing with a public problem.”
The government’s ability to shape and implement policies is important because they affect many aspects of society. For example, a government’s policies can provide economic security for workers in the form of unemployment benefits or financial support to those who need it through disability insurance. Other policies can redistribute wealth by ensuring that people receive a minimum wage, for instance.
Policymakers may adopt policies in response to social movements and crises or take a proactive approach by developing programs that prevent future problems. Policymakers also use their discretion to address the needs of individual communities, including balancing competing interests and priorities.
The process of creating, enforcing and reviewing policy is highly complex. Policymakers can be influenced by changing societal conditions, prevailing political values, and the government’s structure. Additionally, there are many stakeholders with a stake in the policymaking process, from private businesses to community organizations. Ultimately, the implementation of policies is a multifaceted endeavor that requires collaboration and effective communication skills. As a result, professionals in this field typically possess analytical and research-based skills as well as written and verbal communication. They also may have a passion for a specific cause or issue and seek to advocate on behalf of the communities they serve.
