Government policy is a set of guidelines, rules, and procedures that governs the way a governmental unit operates. A policy describes the “what,” while a procedure dictates the “how” and “where.” The development of policies involves the identification of problems, research, planning, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance. Policy makers must take into account a number of factors, including the needs and wants of their constituents, the impact on society, and the feasibility of their proposals.
Policies have a profound effect on our everyday lives, from the way that taxes are collected and spent, to how we use natural resources, to where we go to school. The development and implementation of policies also influences the direction of political trends and social movements, creating a feedback loop where past policies affect future behavior and the societal context in which people live.
Light explains that, in modern times, the policymaking process has evolved from a central government-led approach to one in which it is shared with non-governmental groups and private companies, and it involves a variety of stakeholders who participate in a collaborative process to develop policy solutions. This process also includes the creation of policy statements, a clear and concise document that sets out the purpose and intent of a given policy. This information can be particularly helpful when a policy is in question, as it can help a court determine whether or not it is constitutional or complies with the law.
A good policy statement will describe the problem in question, identify its severity and magnitude, and explain why it is worthy of attention. It will also include an action plan to deal with the problem and evaluate the long-term and short-term impacts of each option.
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