How Government Decides What to Do

Public policy includes all the laws, regulations, and actions taken by government to address issues. The policy-making process involves several steps and many actors.

Steps in the Process

1. Agenda Setting: Identifying problems that need government attention.
2. Policy Formulation: Developing possible solutions.
3. Policy Adoption: Deciding on a course of action, often through legislation.
4. Implementation: Putting policies into effect.
5. Evaluation: Assessing whether policies work and making changes.

Who's Involved?

Elected officials, bureaucrats, interest groups, and the public all play a role.

Example

Congress passes a health care law, agencies create rules to enforce it, and the public gives feedback on how well it works.