Which of the following is the best definition of public policy?
a. issues that voters consider to be social or political problems
b. issues that lawmakers consider to be social or political problems
c. A process by which the government evaluates if or how well its programs are effective.
d. The expressed goals of a government body that are backed by sanctions or incentives.
Answer:- The correct answer is d. The expressed goals of a government body that are backed by sanctions or incentives.
Public policy concerns the objectives and action plans of government to deal with public issues. 4 It includes the laws, regulations. The best definition is:
Public policy is any goals declared by a governmental entity that are supported with penalties or bonuses.
This definition encompasses the main features of public policy. Firstly, public policies are initiated from governmental bodies be it at the local level, state or even national. Second, they are the declared goals that a government tries to achieve by making policies. This could be through the implementation of new acts, amendment to current ones or even by channeling government funds towards it.
Third, public policies are not merely declared intentions—they are implemented through specific incentives and sanctions enforced by the government. For instance, pollution reduction policies can levy penalties on firms that do not meet emissions standards. Policies that foster renewable energy might provide tax credits or rebates . This is how the government implements its policy goals through incentives and sanctions.
Lastly, public policies seek to tackle issues of concern for the general population such as education and health care among others. The policies convert the priorities of government intentions into programs and operations that affect society. This all-encompassing definition encompasses the notion of public policy as clear objectives dictated by incentives/sanctions that governments put forward to address issues affecting society at large.
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