Introduction to the Policy Process Chapter 1: What is Public Policy?

Summary

In this video, Tom Burkland, author and public policy professor, explains the concept of public policy. He defines public policy as what governments choose to do or not to do in response to problems. Burkland discusses five key elements common in definitions of public policy: addressing problems, made by governments, focused on public interest, goal-oriented, and implemented by public and private actors. He highlights that policies can involve action or inaction and can be expressed through laws, regulations, and other government decisions, as well as societal practices and discourse.

Takeaways

• 📖 Public policy is defined as what the government chooses to do or not to do.
• 🤔 Public policy typically responds to a problem, such as too much crime or not enough jobs.
• 🏛️ Policies are made by governments, not private entities like companies (e.g., Facebook).
• 🌍 Public policy is made in the public interest, aiming to benefit society at large.
• 🎯 Policies always have explicit or implicit goals, like improving health or equality.
• 🛠️ Both public and private actors are responsible for implementing policies.
• ✈️ Public policies can be demonstrated through regulatory requirements, like airline safety procedures.
• ⏸️ Policies can involve action or inaction—choosing not to do something is also a form of policy.
• 📜 Policy can take many forms, including laws, regulations, or even the lack of a decision.
• 💬 Policies are revealed not just in texts but also through practices, symbols, and the way we discuss them.

Q & A

What is the simple definition of public policy according to Tom Burkland?

Public policy is defined as what government chooses to do or not to do.

Why do people usually make policies?

Policies are usually made in response to a problem that people believe the government might provide a solution for.

Who typically makes public policies?

Public policies are made by governments, distinguishing them from policies made by private entities.

How does the concept of 'public interest' relate to public policy?

Public policies are made in the public interest, meaning they are intended to be beneficial for the public at large, even if they may affect some individuals more than others.

What are the goals of public policies?

Public policies have goals, which can be explicit or implicit, such as greater wealth, prosperity, health, or equality.

Who implements public policies?

Public policies are implemented by both public and private actors, such as government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Can public policy involve inaction by the government?

Yes, public policy can be an action taken by the government or a decision not to do something, such as the choice not to implement a universal healthcare system.

What does Tom Burkland consider his definition of policy?

Tom Burkland defines policy as a statement by government at any level of what it intends to do or not to do about a public problem.

How are policies revealed according to Snyder and Ingram?

Policies are revealed through text, practices, symbols, and discourses that define and deliver values, including goods and services, as well as regulations.

What are the different forms that policies can take?

Policies can take various forms such as constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, and can even be revealed through changes in behavior or discourse.

How can the way policies are discussed affect their perception?

The way policies are discussed, such as talking about welfare recipients or business subsidies, can create positively or negatively valued attributes and influence public perception.