Public policy is the set of actions, laws, regulations, and decisions made by government or public officials to address issues or problems affecting society. It represents what the government chooses to do or not do about a particular problem, aiming to achieve specific social, economic, or political goals on behalf of the public
. Key aspects of public policy include:
- It responds to issues that require government attention.
- It can take the form of laws, regulations, or guidelines.
- It is purposeful and systematic, designed to solve problems or meet societal needs.
- It is strategic, often aimed at long-term outcomes.
- It involves a continuous process of formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation
Public policy covers diverse areas such as education, healthcare, economic development, environmental protection, and social welfare. It is created through a complex political process involving elected officials, civil servants, experts, and sometimes the public
. In summary, public policy is the framework through which governments seek to manage societal challenges and improve public welfare by making deliberate and coordinated decisions and actions