Government policy refers to a broad category of laws, regulations and decisions implemented by federal, state and local government agencies. The policies enacted by the government can impact all aspects of our daily lives, from workplace safety and immigration to bank regulation, drug approval, and national defense.
Policymaking is a complex process in which many different factors converge to shape public policy decisions. These include political elements like public opinion and party ideology, economic considerations such as growth goals and market dynamics, and environmental factors such as natural resources and climate change. Moreover, multiple individuals and organizations compete and collaborate in an effort to influence the formulation and execution of public policy, such as advocacy groups, corporations, and non-profits.
The etymology of the term “policy” suggests that it stems from the Greek word for city, indicating that policymaking involves a collective decision making process. However, it is difficult to get scholars to agree on a single definition of policy. Some suggest that a policy is a specific strategy for tackling a political problem, while others argue that it more broadly refers to any effort to influence the course of action taken by the government or a private group.
A policy debate can cover a wide range of topics, including whether the United States should use weapons of mass destruction (WMD), reduce the number of refugees it accepts each year (immigration), and end indefinite detention (prisoner rehabilitation). Debate also addresses questions about the separation of powers between the executive branch and Congress and the level of discretion given to the President.