Public policy is something that we as citizens encounter daily. The text book pointed out an example of an automobile and how all of its intricacies had a relation to public policy. This began me thinking about other everyday items such as televisions and microwaves. Each of these items have policies and regulations guiding them from their birth in the factory (regulation of transistor parts of the radio or tubing specifications mandated by legislation of the televisions) all of the way to our consumption (frequency regulations or content ratings). The textbook defines public policy as a relatively stable, purposive course of action or inaction followed by an actor or set of actors in dealing with a problem or matter of concern. Simply put, public policy is what the government does or does not do. In order to carry out public policy, officials utilize the public policy process.
In order to have a need for public policy, an issue or need has to arise. This could stem from a new issue or in rebuttal to a newly implemented public policy. Once this need/issue has a voice through public outcry or petition, it is sent up by public officials to potentially become part of the agenda. This step is called problem identification and agenda setting. All public issues/needs do not make it on the agenda. In fact, very few actually make it.
The next step in the public policy process is policy formation. During this phase all possible alternatives to solving the problem are identified. It is here where examination of a series of options is performed to identify the best course of action.
The next phase in the public policy process is called policy adoption. Here, the option of how to solve the public problem is chosen. It is also here that the solution is developed completely so that it can be legitimized or authorized. This can also include taking no action.
The fourth step is called policy implementation. This is the application of the policy to the problem. This can also be viewed as administration the policy. As our text states, the attention in this phase is on what is done to carry the policy into effect or apply adopted policies.
Policy evaluation is the next step in the public policy process. This basically asks the question “Did the policy work?” The bulk of the duties done in this phase are intended to determine what a policy is accomplishing, whether it is achieving its goals, and whether it has other consequences. For example, by implementing a policy on anti-abortion did it cause an outcry from pro-abortion activists?
The final step in the public policy process is policy termination. This commonly is seen when policy isn’t successful. This step basically poses the question “what wasn’t this policy successful?”
As we have covered, public policy is truly an iterative process. It must be flexible and measurable. It also must stay impartial, seeking the best overall outcome.
